DG Bill Degnan & Judy and President Elect Peter Buitenhuis and Rhonda.
DG Bill and Judy Degnan were treated to a special evening on Phillip Island on May 27th
The Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo put on a Ritzy evening transforming the Phillip Island Senior Citizens Hall in Cowes hall into an opulent Ritz ballroom, something the island hasn't seen for quite a few years. 130 lucky people gathered for a grand night of good music, fine food and delicate wines.
Club President Judy Lawrence said the sole aim of the event was to raise $15,000 for the Rotary National Flood Appeal. “This is where Rotary shines as Rotary Clubs are perfectly placed to assist in these types of disasters. Our clubs are positioned throughout Australia on a grassroots level and present a community-led approach. Any support through Rotary will be delivered immediately to people who are impacted by floods. This is through local Rotary Clubs in the areas affected by the floods, not from an ivory tower located in a city building hundreds of kilometres away.”
During the evening, live music was provided by Island Jazz band together with Rockhouse which proved to be just the right combination to encourage guests to grab their partner (or not) and dance the night away.
A live auction provided extra excitement with items such as mature palm trees, Apple iPad, laptop and iPhone, painting donated by David Taylor, Jenny Jackson and Tom Tyrrell. Not forgetting the silent auction which is always a popular activity.
Accolades were thrown around at the close of the evening with emails requesting the date for next year's Puttin' on the Ritz! Kate Cleeland sent her thanks to all the organisers for ..'the astonishing Night at the Ritz. I absolutely loved every minute - the music was fantastic. Would love to have that in my diary every Friday night...'
Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo would like to acknowledge the generous donations of all of the supporters and congratulate everybody for a hugely successful night. What did they raise? A sensational $22,000 which will all go to the flood victims.
