Virgin Blue Hanger Ball Media Man Australia

Virgin Blue Hanger Ball

Saturday 29th March 2008

Website

Virgin Blue Hanger Ball

Richard Branson and Greg Tingle (Media Man Australia director)

News

Google News search for "Virgin Blue Hanger Ball"

Website

Virgin Blue Hanger Ball

Press Release

VIRGIN BLUE CHARITY HANGAR BALL TO SWITCH OFF FOR EARTH HOUR

11 March 2008: Virgin Blue will take on the Saturday 29 March global Earth Hour challenge (www.earthhour.org) in a big way, by pledging to shut off the lights at its massive Charity Hangar Ball to be hosted by Sir Richard Branson, Queensland Premier, The Hon Anna Bligh, and Virgin Blue co-founder and CEO, Brett Godfrey, the same evening.

More than 3000 Guests and over 500 event, waiting and kitchen staff along with musicians, dancers and performers, will participate in what may be Australia’s largest candlelight dinner from 8pm (Brisbane time) when Virgin Blue switches off the lights for Earth Hour along with millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Sydney and Tel Aviv.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “The decision was easy, but not so the logistical challenge. We are a participating company and it is a unique opportunity to underline the meaning of Earth Hour in a very meaningful way.

“Funds raised from our Hangar Ball go to many worthwhile causes and in 2008 our support is pledged to projects nominated by our team members under the theme of ‘Indigenous Peoples, Natural Environment’,” he said.

“Special arrangements” to cater for a continuous ball during Earth Hour will be revealed on the night and Virgin Blue has also made arrangements to ensure the ball is carbon neutral.

Even without the added requirements for Earth Hour, staging the epic event includes complex logistics to transform the Pinkenbah hangar from a venue designed to hold aircraft, into a ballroom for 3000 Guests.

With no kitchens on site, tons of equipment is trucked in, including ovens, cold rooms, chairs tables, crockery, cutlery, and glassware to enable preparation and service of a menu created by Brett’s Wharf Executive Chef, Alastair McLeod.

Construction of the dance floor, audio visual wall, lighting, staging, bathrooms and provision for bands including Marcia Hines, Rogue Traders, Evermore and Housequake and a Mega charity auction will take place over three days.

Visit www.virginblue.com.au/hangarball for more details on the biggest event in town.

Virgin Blue Charity Hangar Ball to Switch Off for Earth Hour - 12th March 2008
(Credit: Asia Travel Tips)

Virgin Blue has accepted the Saturday 29 March global Earth Hour challenge, by pledging to shut off the lights at its massive Charity Hangar Ball to be hosted by Sir Richard Branson, Queensland Premier, The Hon Anna Bligh, and Virgin Blue co-founder and CEO, Brett Godfrey, the same evening.

More than 3000 guests and over 500 event, waiting and kitchen staff along with musicians, dancers and performers, will participate in a candlelight dinner from 8pm (Brisbane time) when Virgin Blue switches off the lights for Earth Hour along with millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Sydney and Tel Aviv.

“Special arrangements” to cater for a continuous ball during Earth Hour will be revealed on the night and Virgin Blue has also made arrangements to ensure the ball is carbon neutral.

Articles

Branson answers his own call - 27th March 2008

Virgin Blue goes black for Earth Hour, by Katherine Feeney - 30th March 2008
(Credit: The Sun-Herald)

The inaugral Virgin Blue Charity Hangar Ball plunged more than 2000 guest into darkness when the lights went off for Earth Hour, transforming the mammoth hangar into what may have been the biggest candlelit dinner in the southern hemisphere.

Aerial acrobats suspended from the cavernous ceiling twirled to the powerful chords of premier Australian electric string trio Maske as the collection of celebrities, corporate heavyweights and government dignitaries settled to enjoy the evening whilst the light remained.

Co-hosts Virgin Blue co-founder and CEO Brett Godfrey and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh welcomed the traditional owners of the land surrounding the Pinkenbah hangar in their opening addresses, encouraging support for the Ball's nominated charities chosen by Virgin staff around the theme Indigenous Peoples, Natural Environment.

Godfrey then introduced a traditional indigenous welcome ceremony, which included traditional song and dance and the secret involvement of a surprise performer who's identity was revealed at the conclusion.

After revealing himself to the assembled guests, dressed in traditional aboriginal costume and body paint, Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson echoed the sentiments of Bligh and Godfrey, warmly acknowledging the history of the Jagera and Turrbal aboriginal groups.

Premier Anna Bligh also congratulated fellow guest Lord Mayor Campbell Newman on his recent Brisbane Council victory and emphasised the importance of climate awareness.

At the conclusion of official welcoming procedures, The Earth Hour countdown began in earnest, with the subsequent result eliciting thrilled exhalations and applause from each corner of the hangar.

The party than really began, with New Zealand band Evermore taking to the stage sparsely lit by solar lights and the blue glow from the eco-lanterns of assisting Virgin Blue staff.

In the midst of the evenings entertainment, which also included a performance from Australian soul diva Marcia Hines, guest indulged in a sumptuous menu carefully prepared by Bretts Wharf executive chef Alastair McLeod.

Between mains and dessert, guests were invited to participate in an auction offering a collection of money-can't-buy experiences that included a safari at Branson's own, African game park, naming rights to a Virgin Blue aircraft?? and the chance to appear in Russell Crowe's latest Hollywood movie.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars were bid in an attempt to secure the coveted lots and raise money for the many worthy charities, with Branson so determined to beat the record set at last year's ball he took the watch from his wrist and put it up for sale.

Australian swimming champion Elka Graham also took to the stage to donate her luxury Swiss timepiece with bids the successful bid for the famous his and hers watches topping over $20 000.

Patricia Feijoo, Grant Hilton and Greg Tingle

Naomi Hilton, Richard Branson and Grant Hilton

Profiles