The Australian and New Zealand Association Holds Charity Ball

The Australian and New Zealand Association (ANZA) Jakarta raised funds to benefit underprivileged communities in Jakarta at the association’s annual charity ball, which was held on 30 September.

“The generosity of our guests and sponsors has been absolutely wonderful,” said ANZA President, Tania Goodacre. The event was supported by several international and local brands including Alila Seminyak, Commonwealth Bank, Colliers International, Heineken, Swiss-Bel Hotel, Ranch Market, Vie For Living and Asian Tigers Mobility. “As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely heavily on donations and this is our biggest fundraising event of the year.”

More than 400 guests, clad in 1920s-inspired costumes, filled the grand ballroom at the Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel for a glittering four course gala dinner.

“The ANZA Ball has become synonymous with fancy dress and we appreciate that our guests make such an effort to embrace the theme. It certainly makes it difficult to choose winners for our Best Dressed Prizes,” Goodacre explained. “Our volunteers do a wonderful job creating an event that is unique and that our members, supporters and sponsors look forward to each year. It was a fabulous night but most importantly, the money raised will have a positive impact on our Social Welfare Program.”

Established in 1970, the ANZA Social Welfare Program is one of the largest expatriate social development programs in Jakarta, supporting more than 30 projects around Greater Jakarta on both a regular and ad hoc basis, including an orphanage, kitchens for the elderly and a refugee learning centre.

“Our Medical Sponsorship Program partly funds craniofacial surgeries and our Student Sponsorship Program helps keep more than 500 children in school,” Goodacre said. “This year, our social welfare team completed a two-year rebuild project at At Taqwa School. Soon we will be starting a fit-out of an accessible bathroom at Yayasan Heesu.”

“As expats we are aware that our tenure in Jakarta is limited, so we want to enjoy our time here, but we also want to help those less fortunate and that is what the ANZA Ball is ultimately about, providing a fun event while supporting the work of ANZA Social Welfare,” she concluded.

For more information about ANZA and their social welfare projects visit www.anzajakarta.com

Photos courtesy of Renaldy Chaniago