The winter ball is coming: 'It's a cracker of a night'

The annual fundraiser for Our Kids is on Saturday, May 25, with a new naming partner, O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing.

Jake Campbell, the managing director of O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing, said they had been a part of the Our Kids family for "a long, long time" and were looking forward to stepping into the new role.

Jake's parents owned the business before him and were the wine sponsor of the winter ball for many years.

Our Kids co-ordinator Rebekka Battista said Jake's mum was also pretty handy with fairy lights, bringing the winter wonderland to life.

Jake didn't hesitate when the opportunity popped up to be naming rights sponsor.

"We're very lucky to be in a position where we can support it. It suits our values and our purpose, so it's perfect.

"If you own a business locally, and you've got the opportunity to help people, then why wouldn't you? To get behind what this cause is about - giving back to the community and kids on the coalface is about as good as it gets," Jake said.

Jake has his tux ready for the Our Kids Ball.

"It's always a cracker of a night," he said. "It's almost like a mini-reunion every time we go there. You see people you don't get to catch up with as much as you'd like to. The tables are vibrant, people are happy and you get to have a little banter."

The first ball was held about 20 years ago at the City Hall, and has been held at the Lismore Turf Club for about 15 years.

The first event at the venue only filled half the upstairs room. Each year it has grown, moving downstairs, then eventually, when it got too big, Party Hire created a purpose built space.

Rebekka said they are never quite sure how the community is going in terms of being able to support the event, but this year, tickets have sold fast, with only a few left.

"It's an event that's really loved. The ticket sales came in hard and fast. As soon as we sent the invite out, we sold 20 tickets in that first week," she said.

"There's not many events that are Black Tie - that just takes it up that next notch. And Lismore, my goodness, they do us proud on the night. They look magnificent."

She also asked attendees to "please think local when organising your Winter Ball outfit". Paris in the Strand has some amazing dresses and is offering a Golden Ticket Dress - meaning if you purchase your ball gown from outlet for the ball, you could win a voucher for the purchase price of your dress.

Rebekka has a tip for keeping warm at the ball whilst still looking glamorous - "lots of thermals underneath".

Richmond Sand and Gravel donate a fire pit area to help ward off the cold, which is auctioned off at the end of the night.

Rebekka said the community recognised the value of having a well-equipped children's ward at Lismore Base Hospital.

"Whether you have sick kids or well kids, you possibly might use the service. Or your clients or you employees might

She thanked Morgans Financial, who has been contributing to Our Kids for the past 9 years as the naming partner for the Winter Ball.

As well as O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing, sponsors include Mountain Blue, Katrina Boehm Real Estate, Joel Jenson Constructions, and Jewellery Design Centre.

The ball is on Saturday, March 25 from 5.30pm at Lismore Turf Club.