The Australian Red Cross Gala Dinner to be held on March 2 in Sydney will celebrate the 90th anniversary of Red Cross in Australia. The ‘One Enchanted Evening’ function in the presence of their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark will also launch the annual Red Cross Calling Appeal which takes place throughout March.

Red Cross NSW hopes to raise at least $700,000 from the evening. Revenue from ticket sales will go directly to support its Young Women’s Health Program. This is the first time Red Cross NSW has held such a major fund raising event for one of its key services.

The 850 guests, most from some of Australia’s largest corporations, have paid either $450 or $1000 to share the evening with their Royal Highnesses and be entertained by a star-studded cast of local and international talent all of whom have generously donated their services free of charge for the event.

Red Cross NSW has contracted Markson Sparks to co-ordinate ticket sales and to event manage the evening to ensure it is an occasion that is not only fitting for Their Royal Highnesses to attend on their first official Australian visit, but to provide everyone that attends with a memorable experience.

Markson Sparks have underwritten the cost of the function for a fee of $50,000.  Other costs such as production, venue and set designs will cost around $200,000. The generous donations by sponsors in providing auction items for the event have ensured that all associated costs will be covered.

Australian Red Cross aims to raise $8 million during its Red Cross Calling Appeal this year to fund in excess of 60 community services and programs that help Australians in need across the country.

The Red Cross Gala Dinner is the centrepiece of Red Cross NSW’s overall marketing program aimed at reigniting the organisation’s relationship with the Sydney business community and to recognise the contribution the Red Cross and its volunteers have made to the NSW community over the past 90 years.