The Gala returned on Saturday 7 September 2024 to transform Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū into Prismatic: Luminance in Vogue—our garden city’s very own fundraiser-meets-fashion-moondance to back I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday.
Thanks to every ticket and paddle-raise, we’ll fund 339 free counselling sessions for rangatahi via Gumboot Friday, and channel $50,913.98 into I Am Hope’s in-school and community outreach. Humanitix confirms the haul was split 50/50 between our mental-wellness programmes and crisis-counselling services—so both sides of our mission got a glow-up. Over the past two years, The Gala has funnelled $154,122.15 into youth mental health—more than a thousand sessions of life-saving support.
Co-founders Helena Lowe and Zane Tate kicked off by sharing moving personal stories on stage—proving that vulnerability is always the best kind of formalwear. The live auction, compered by Mike King, saw bids flying on Queenstown weekends, exclusive photoshoots and signed sports memorabilia—each paddle-raise a tiny revolution against stigma. Our best-dressed showdown, judged by local style gurus, had finalists sashaying for impromptu selfies before snapping up dreamy prizes. Photographer Charlie Rose Creative was on hand to bottle every spontaneous hug, glittery outfit and confetti blast—moments that’ll keep on giving.
Huge thanks to everyone who dug out their dancing shoes, opened their hearts (and wallets), and showed that when we come together, stigma stands absolutely no chance. Here’s to the next one!
