Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Annual ‘Ride for a Cure’ Gala Dinner held for 200 in a marquee on the grounds of the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort raised a need $1 million in funds.
The JDRF Annual ‘Ride for a Cure’ is a 3-day event traditionally held at the end of the now world famous ‘Tour Down Under Event’ in South Australia to capitalise on the attention given to cycling over this period. All 188 riders participating in the 3-day ‘Ride for a Cure’ event raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The charity event was themed in James Bond 007 style.
The Novotel Barossa Resort has hosted this annual gala dinner for six years with 2012 already locked in. Overlooking Jacobs Creek vineyards, the James Bond 007 inspired event has grown significantly – so much so that the JDRF have outgrown the 180 seat capacity ballroom at the Novotel.
The solution – to take it outdoors and construct a 10mx45m on the resort grounds with the surrounding Valley vistas as the backdrop. To accommodate the James Bond 007 theme, the Novotel Business Events team utilised their contacts to secure an Aston Martin for the night and set up a mock casino for guests to enjoy.
Having outgrown the Resort’s 180 seat ballroom, the event has been moved to an outdoor marquee on the grounds.
Being a charity organisation, JDRF are keen to keep costs down and funds raised at a premium so the Novotel Business Events team were aware that budget was tight and worked within these confines.
The JDRF could cover the costs involved with setting up the marquee so the Novotel met them on the cost of construction of the marquee, preparation of land and landscaping for the event, costing approximately $5000. The Novotel chefs from Harry’s Restaurant worked on a menu that was easy to create in a temporary kitchen whilst still keeping up the high standards of food service. The Novotel also worked with Accor partners to have a temporary bar and fridge donated for the night.
This year, after all expenses were paid, $1million was raised for the foundation and as a result of the strategic relationships utilised and support by the Novotel Business Events team.
Novotel Barossa Valley’s general manager James Murphy presenting a cheque to support the worthy cause.
Novotel Barossa Valley Resort staff supported JDRF with their own fundraising and general manager James Murphy presented a cheque for $500 in support of juvenile diabetes research. Supportive staff worked overtime or on their day off to assist with set up in order to keep costs down and support the very worthy cause.
