The brainchild of friends Rachael Taylor, Kerry Lee Charlton and Sarah Fraser, the Mid Winter Ball will be held on Saturday July 23, from 7pm at Wingatui Hall. There will be live music from Idol Frets, dancing demonstrations, canapes, spot prizes and refreshments.
Ms Taylor, who lives in Mosgiel, is passionate about supporting St John, crediting the ambulance service with saving her life on many occasions.
Living with a condition which causes symptoms similar to anaphylactic shock (extreme allergic reaction), she is an ambulance "frequent flyer".
"There are times when I literally count on them to keep me alive — I can’t stress enough how important they are.
"They see people having the worst times in their lives, and they are so kind, they make you feel safe and cared for."
Although the Government announced additional $166.1million in funding, over four years, for ambulance services in New Zealand, Ms Taylor said more funding was urgently needed.
"That is why every cent of profit we earn through the winter ball will be going to St John," she said.
Wingatui Hall, with its wooden dance floor and nice interior, would be an ideal venue for the ball, Ms Taylor said. The hall is also accessible for all.
The Mid Winter Ball would hark back to the popular Joe Brown’s Dances at the Dunedin Town Hall from the 1930s to the 1960s, she said.
"We are encouraging people to dress up in any era that they wish and come along for a very special evening," she said.
"We have tried to take everything into consideration, so the wonderful Idol Frets will be playing from ballroom to rock’n’roll.
"The Mosgiel locals are very good at supporting events, we have a contingent of rock’n’roll dancers heading out from Dunedin and we have people from across the South coming to join us.
"The more the merrier."
This would include members of the enthusiastic pin-up and vintage style community.
Representatives of St John in Dunedin and Mosgiel would also be on hand during the evening, and share information about the service, she said.
Along with ticket sales, the ball will raise funds for St John through raffles, with $2000 worth of prizes, many sponsored by local businesses.
Local hair and makeup experts Emma Keightly and Tina McAuliffe will offer a "Hot Rollers and Hairpins" session during the day of the ball, in a back room at Wingatui Hall which can be booked in advance.
For tickets see Facebook or email dunedinmidwinterball@outlook.co.nz.
