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Virgin
Blue goes black for Earth Hour, by Katherine Feeney
- 30th March 2008
(Credit:
The Sun-Herald)
The inaugral Virgin Blue Charity
Hangar Ball plunged more than 2000 guest into
darkness when the lights went off for Earth Hour,
transforming the mammoth hangar into what may
have been the biggest candlelit dinner in the
southern hemisphere.
Aerial
acrobats suspended from the cavernous ceiling
twirled to the powerful chords of premier Australian
electric string trio Maske as the collection of
celebrities, corporate heavyweights and government
dignitaries settled to enjoy the evening whilst
the light remained.
Co-hosts
Virgin Blue co-founder and CEO Brett Godfrey and
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh welcomed the traditional
owners of the land surrounding the Pinkenbah hangar
in their opening addresses, encouraging support
for the Ball's nominated charities chosen by Virgin
staff around the theme Indigenous Peoples, Natural
Environment.
Godfrey
then introduced a traditional indigenous welcome
ceremony, which included traditional song and
dance and the secret involvement of a surprise
performer who's identity was revealed at the conclusion.
After
revealing himself to the assembled guests, dressed
in traditional aboriginal costume and body paint,
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson echoed the
sentiments of Bligh and Godfrey, warmly acknowledging
the history of the Jagera and Turrbal aboriginal
groups.
Premier
Anna Bligh also congratulated fellow guest Lord
Mayor Campbell Newman on his recent Brisbane Council
victory and emphasised the importance of climate
awareness.
At
the conclusion of official welcoming procedures,
The Earth Hour countdown began in earnest, with
the subsequent result eliciting thrilled exhalations
and applause from each corner of the hangar.
The
party than really began, with New Zealand band
Evermore taking to the stage sparsely lit by solar
lights and the blue glow from the eco-lanterns
of assisting Virgin Blue staff.
In
the midst of the evenings entertainment, which
also included a performance from Australian soul
diva Marcia Hines, guest indulged in a sumptuous
menu carefully prepared by Bretts Wharf executive
chef Alastair McLeod.
Between
mains and dessert, guests were invited to participate
in an auction offering a collection of money-can't-buy
experiences that included a safari at Branson's
own, African game park, naming rights to a Virgin
Blue aircraft?? and the chance to appear in Russell
Crowe's latest Hollywood movie.
Hundreds
of thousands of dollars were bid in an attempt
to secure the coveted lots and raise money for
the many worthy charities, with Branson so determined
to beat the record set at last year's ball he
took the watch from his wrist and put it up for
sale.
Australian
swimming champion Elka Graham also took to the
stage to donate her luxury Swiss timepiece with
bids the successful bid for the famous his and
hers watches topping over $20 000.
Profiles
Virgin
Blue
Virgin
Blue Hanger Ball
Richard
Branson
Brett
Godfrey
Virgin
Unite
Earth
Hour
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