Long-beaked feathered birds, mysterious masked ladies in fur and silk, and even Donald Trump were among 500 costumed locals who gathered on Saturday night to raise more than $100,000 for local charities.
ASB Baypark was transformed for A Night in Venice, the Skin Centre Trust Charity Ball, a glittering black-tie charity event organised by Tauranga mother Helen Fletcher and a team from dermatology group Skin Centre, with support from local businesses and individuals. Money raised from the ball would go to three charities at the heart of the local community including Waipuna Hospice and Te Tuinga Whanau.
The third would support two local women, Lavina Good and Jessica Wright, in their efforts to create more awareness about the devastating effects of methamphetamine in the community
Skin Centre director Paul Salmon told the glittering crowd that it was a night of celebration of for the community, but also a chance for the "family-minded to give back to those in need of support", and stand up against social injustices such as homeless families or crime destroying communities such as methamphetamine supply.
Salmon said the charities did work that was not funded and praised those who worked so hard with "people who are disadvantaged and often at the wrong end of what life can deliver".
"Dig deep" became the mantra for the evening, as MC Tauranga cop Rob Lemoto, host of crime-fighting television show Police Ten 7 whipped the guests into the giving spirit.
Auctioneer Blair Cashmore of Bayleys Real Estate led the frenzied bidding for a fat auction book of prizes, which had all been donated, including seven nights at an Italian villa, a waka voyage for 15 people, orthodontic braces, local artwork, cooking classes, and cases of wine and champagne.
People turned out in all their finery, in long ball gowns, furs and sparkling jewels. Masks ranged from authentic Venetian carnival masks including birds with long beaks and feathers, or ornate gold and black eye masks with lace detailing. Some masks had local interpretations - Tommy Kapai Wilson and the team from Te Tuinga Whanau all wore hand-woven Maori masks.
There were animals - cats, bears, peacocks. Some men wore humorous masks - including Donald Trump, a Mexican wrestler, and the A-Team. Some revellers were dressed in authentic Venetian wear, in white long curled wigs and velvet coat.
The room had been transformed to evoke the enchantment of the Venice Carnival, with a huge mural of Venice and matting on the floor to resemble canals, and circus entertainers taking people for ''rides'' in gondolas. There was a fairytale atmosphere with twinkling lights, and tables decorated with red roses, candles and candelabra. An opera singer and violinist warmed up the crowd.
Candy Lane Dancers thrilled with their erotic costumes and vivacious dance moves, while Candy herself exploded on stage into energetic ballroom dance. Band Halo kept the dance floor heaving, with locals pumping out their best moves.
When the clock struck midnight, the ball was over, but not forgotten.
It was a night Tauranga came to celebrate, dance, party, and most importantly, to dig deep to help those who worked so hard to make the Bay community a better place to grow up in and live.
Organiser Helen Fletcher said the team was still adding up donations for the final amount, and thanked everyone for their generosity.
"We exceeded our target of $100,000. It was fantastic to see our community come together to contribute where it's needed while enjoying a fantastic night out with friends and family - we are so grateful to the generosity of our sponsors, without whom this would never have happened."