Get in early with your orders and your bookings if you’re keen to frock up and fundraise for the Our Kids Virtual Ball this year – that’s the lowdown from The Loft restaurant owner Brad Rickard.

Normally, at this time of year, local charity Our Kids would be gathering the community at the Lismore Turf Club for their Morgan’s Financial Winter Ball. 

But like many community events, COVID- 19 has meant they need to adapt.

Bring on the Virtual Ball. 

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista said Our Kids will instead be hosting a Virtual Ball this year to raise money for paediatric equipment for local children in hospital.

On Saturday, May 30, local charity, Our Kids is asking people to take part by hosting a dinner party, dress up and order takeaway from their favourite local restaurant.

The Loft restaurant’s Brad Rickard said he was excited to support Our Kids and encourages people to get on board and not only support local food businesses, but a worthy cause too. 

“People should get their food orders in by Friday so they won’t be disappointed for Saturday’s virtual ball,” Brad said.

“At The Loft, we have a small dine in capacity too,” he said.

Rebekka said normally the ball entails frocking up in black tie and enjoying an evening raising funds for Our Kids.

“But unfortunately we have had to postpone like so many other community events in Lismore,” Rebekka said.

“This is just a simple idea to unite the community, have some fun and give everyone a good excuse to get out of your active wear and PJs,” Rebekka said.

“We have had a great response so far, with people from as far away as England joining in, where they’ll be hosting a champagne breakfast due to the time difference.

“Even the Commonwealth Business Banking Team who usually volunteer at the Ball are hosting their Virtual Ball at a lunchtime function so their team can join in.”

If you would like to take part in the Our Kids Virtual Ball, follow these simple steps: 

1. Host a dinner party with family and/or friends on Saturday May 30. (Please adhere to the NSW Government guidelines of social distancing and staying safe.)

2. Choose your theme and set your table. 

3. For dinner we ask that you support a local restaurant by ordering take away or book into your favourite restaurant. 

4. Dress up. This is your chance to ditch the active wear, the PJ’s and work gear and dress to impress. 

5. Join the Our Kids Virtual Winter Ball Facebook Group so you can be up to date with what’s happening https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourkidsvirtualball/ 

6. Take some photos and upload to the Facebook group. 

There are opportunities to donate with an online raffle. For more information, visit https://give.everydayhero.com/au/our-kids-virtual-ball