Donate and De-stress at the Belltrees Ball

By Taylah Fellows

THE highlight of the Belltrees social calendar is on again, giving locals the chance to forget about the drought, kick up their heels and raise money for the Belltrees Primary School.

The Belltrees P&C Black Tie Ball now in it’s second year will be held on Saturday, August 24.

The fundraising event is the only annual opportunity to raise money for the Belltrees Public School and their surrounding community.

Katy Tyler P&C Secretary and Lucy Scott P&C member and teacher at Belltrees Public School with the school’s vegetable garden.

Katy Tyler, mother of two and secretary of Belltrees Public School P&C, said the motivation behind the event is not only raising money, but to give locals a break from drought stress.

“We used to have a few events, but the drought has cut us back now to our only event of the year, so it’s pretty much our only draw card because were just run ragged,” said Ms Tyler.

“We get a lot of locals who don’t usually go out and about due to the drought and there not being much else on so it’s a really good night for people to let their hair down,” she said.

The Ball was a huge success last year, drawing 110 attendees and raising a profit of more than $7,000.

“Last year’s donations went to technological developments including smart boards and a new phone system for the school,” said Ms Tyler.

“This year we’ll be putting the money towards infrastructure for the school as well as new gardens, eco and sustainability tools and farming,” she said.

“Most of our kids are farming kids so they’re most likely going to go into the industry when they grow up or have a farm of their own,” said Ms Tyler.

Bek Taylor, mother of three and treasurer of the school’s P&C has been the backbone of organising the event.

“We’ve only got ten kids at the school and a few maintenance issues to address which obviously funding doesn’t cover so were back on the fundraising bandwagon,” said Ms Taylor.

“It’s all about the children, and they love the school so any money I can raise to help kids with opportunities and support the school, ill get in and have a crack,” she said.

This year she is hoping to beat last years attendance, with plans to grow the fundraiser in future.

“Last year everyone absolutely loved it they had an absolute ball oddly enough and people who had tables last year have already booked tables again this year,” said Ms Taylor.

“I’d love to be able to do it our in a paddock one day, put a big marquee up and just build it up but it’s a bit tricky finding places to hold it out here,” she said.

The Belltrees Black Tie Ball will feature an array of lucky door prizes and the greatly anticipated return of Newcastle cover band ‘Shooting Molly’.

“I just want to see people dancing, there’s no other event out here where you can kick your heels up and let your hair down with the drought stress and I’m just looking forward to seeing people laughing and dancing,” said Katy Tyler.

• When: Saturday, August 24
• Where: Belltrees P&C School Hall, Belltrees Road. Left at the pub, over the bridge and veer slightly to the left to find the hall.
• Tickets: $80 per person. Book directly through Bek Taylor
• Further Information: Bek Taylor 02 6546 3162 or bektaylor@live.com