Ticket sales for Friday night’s gala indicate a big crowd, and guest speaker Peter FitzSimons AM is looking forward to entertaining them with his anecdotes.

A delicious three course dinner will be prepared by Oaklands chef Clinton Pendlebury and drinks on arrival to get guests in the mood for a night of fun.

Local band Kitty Kat and the Band of Thieves will keep guests dancing long into the night. The band is big on sound and fun, with Kristy Ellis on keyboard, John McVeity, bass, Conrad Mc Mullen, guitar, and John Fraser on drums. Leading the Band with her saxophone and lots of enthusiasm is Candy “Kitty” McVeity.

The charity auction is shaping up to be the real winner of the night, with a fabulous array of  prizes up for grabs. 

The major prize is a NSW Waratahs rugby package, including two tickets to watch the first home game of the season next year from the luxury of the Chairman’s box. The package includes two nights accommodation in Sydney and a signed Waratahs jersey. 

Another lucky winner will enjoy getting back to nature with a Wilderness Coast Weekend tour with Light to Light Camps in Eden. 

Music lovers will be hoping to get their hands on two A-reserve tickets to their choice of event within Opera Australia’s summer program. This prize is accompanied by three night accommodation in Sydney. 

Closer to home, a pair of two day tickets to the Four Winds Easter Festival next year will also be raffled off. And for the foodies, a vineyard tour, tasting lunch and winery concert at Rusty Fig Wines in Coolagolite is sure to hit the spot. 

The Mumbulla Foundation provides around $100,000 in grants to local community groups each year. Since starting in 2000, the Foundation has given grants of nearly $1 million to almost 100 community groups.

Tickets for the October 20 dinner are available at www.mumbulla.org.au.