Event Venues general manager Peter McLeod said he was thrilled with the way staff and associated contractors rose to the occasion, ensuring a memorable night for the 300 guests and a successful test run for the facility.
“Everything went just like clockwork. While guests had been hoodwinked into thinking they would be dining in the Southern Trust Sportsdrome, they were surprised when a rousing overture, fireworks and smoke effects heralded the parting of wall partitioning to reveal the new BayTrust Forum, magnificently decorated and elaborately set up for glamorous dining and entertainment.”
The Morrison Whanau entertained and welcomed guests into the new part of the Energy Events Centre for the very first time, and more entertainment and dining kept everyone happy until after midnight. Star attraction was virtuoso violinist Elena, with a masterly performance of uniquely interpreted classical and cultural pieces backed by a spellbinding triple screen audio-visual effect. MC Frankie Stevens sang, joked and professionally linked the night’s brackets while local singer Krissy Knapp had the dance floor pumping to her repertoire of well known songs.
Fundraising event organiser Nick Dallimore said one of the highlights of the evening was a lively auction of donated items that saw spirited bidding. He said the auction raised almost $15,000 and the whole night generated nearly $48,000 all up for the Energy Events Centre’s equipment and fit-out fund.
“But that figure will actually increase to a total of just under $100,000 with Rotorua Trust’s generous commitment to match community fundraising efforts dollar for dollar.
“We’re also indebted to a number of businesses who donated their time and professional services for the big fundraising night and their superb contribution ensured the evening impressed and dazzled our patrons. They include Event Impressions, Dynamics Audio Visual Solutions, More FM, Eurest, Activities Unlimited, CMM and AVT. And it’s important to thank the people and businesses who supported the fundraising effort by digging into their own pockets to buy tickets to the dinner,” said Mr Dallimore.
Event Venues general manager Peter McLeod says finishing touches to the $28m Energy Events Centre are still being added.
“We actually host our first major national conference later in February but the official opening weekend of celebrations will be next month, with a big free public concert in front of the complex on Saturday 10 March and a public open day with guided tours on Sunday 11 March.
“However Saturday night’s big fundraising dinner and show gives me enormous confidence that we will be ready for the very busy year we have ahead of us in our brand new Energy Events Centre. ”