Sue Atkins is calling it the ball of the year and, as organiser, she is probably correct.
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Sue has recently returned to the Bega Valley Shire where, as Sue Heffernan, she was well known as a cook, a caterer, events organiser and perfectionist.
While she was away, she added a raft of other skills to her armoury and now she is back to put it all to use as Facilities Manager at the Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Group.
In between designing the new kitchen for the second stage of the Hillgrove House extension, she is also planning a gala ball to celebrate the completion of the first stage of the extension.
“A lot of people don’t realise that Hillgrove House belongs to the community and is run by a volunteer board,” she said. “What we are doing with this ball is celebrating that community.”
The Hillgrove Ball will be held in the Bega Showground Pavilion on Saturday, September 10, and Sue is looking forward to it being a “glam” event. The Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed invitation is tagged “frock up and have a ball”.
“We haven’t had a dress up ball in Bega for ages,” she said.
Sue has put together several groups to organise the ball, many of them volunteers and all are doing it to support Hillgrove House.
“I have a team of decorators, chefs and caterers, bar staff and event organisers and everything is ticking along beautifully,” she said.
“We have a great 12 piece band from Canberra, The Rising Suns, who cover all genres of rock from the ’70s to the current top 20. They are young and vibrant and are looking forward to bringing the Pavilion to life again.
“The ball is sponsored by the company building the Hillgrove extension, Paynter Dixon, which means all the proceeds will go to the Bega District Nursing Home.
“We also have some excellent auction prizes – two return flights to Sydney from Rex, four Members’ tickets to Royal Randwick from the AJC, accommodation for two at Darling Harbour, wines from Oatley Wines, a painting by local artist Louella McPaul and other prizes still coming in,” Sue said.
She guarantees bubbles on arrival, a fabulous supper, a 12 piece band, sensational prizes for the $65 ticket and a full bar available.
There will be a “flying solo” table if you don’t have a date on the night and even a virtual table – “you pay for the ticket but stay at home,” she explained. Tickets are available from Hillgrove House phone 6492 7777.
If you are not a ball person, but still want to support Hillgrove House you can make a donation at Hillgrove House or at Westpac Bega BSB032 682, account 151 258 and donations are tax deductable.
