Metro Hotel Ipswich International hosts Gala Flood Benefit

Peattie Public Relations

February 21, 2011

Metro Hotel Ipswich International will host a Gala Cocktail Event on March 16, 2011 to raise much needed funds to help Ipswich recover from the devastating floods that ravaged the city.

As a vital member of the Ipswich community, Metro Hotel Ipswich International is keen to help families and businesses get back on their feet by hosting a Gala Benefit, with all funds going directly into the Ipswich Mayor’s Flood Appeal.
Alex van Kersen, Metro Hotel Ipswich International General Manager, said tickets to the gala event were just $100 each, with all funds raised on the night going directly to benefit those who needed it most.
“As the waters recede in the Ipswich region, there's a sense of optimism, resilience and camaraderie in the Ipswich community,” Mr van Kersen said. “Our aim is to raise a significant amount of money to be put directly back into our community and help the city and its people to get back to a normal life as quickly as possible.”

Mr van Kersen said he hoped 400 people would attend the Gala Cocktail Event on 16 March, with former Brisbane Broncos star Shane Webcke booked in as Master of Ceremonies and Australian Idol finalist Paulini, lauded as one of the finest vocalists Australia has produced, providing the evening’s entertainment.

Mayor of Ipswich Paul Pisasale will be among the special guests, and an impressive range of auction items have been donated from local and national businesses such as Coca Cola and Yalumba Wines, celebrities such as 2010 Bathurst winner Mark Scaife, tennis legend Pat Cash, and the Dick Johnson and Jack Daniels racing teams. Rugby league clubs Parramatta Eels, Westside Tigers, Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs have also contributed memorabilia.

As Australia’s oldest, 100% Australian owned and operated hotel chain, the Metro Group is promoting the event and the celebrity auction online and through its hotel chain as part of its contribution. It is seeking donations of products or gift vouchers from other businesses nationally to include in the auction in exchange for logo promotion online and on the night.

Tickets to the Gala Cocktail Function cost $100 and include a cocktail on arrival, canapés, beer, wine and soft drink throughout the evening. The night commences at 7.30pm and tickets are available by calling the hotel on 07 3812 8077 or by emailing eventsipswich@metrohg.com.

Guests can also book accommodation in the hotel for the night by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321 or the hotel direct on 07 3812 8077.

For media enquiries, contact Sarah Peattie, Peattie Public Relations on +612 9487 6555