Virgin Blue Charity Hangar Ball to Switch Off for Earth Hour

Virgin Blue has accepted the Saturday 29 March global Earth Hour challenge, by pledging to shut off the lights at its massive Charity Hangar Ball to be hosted by Sir Richard Branson, Queensland Premier, The Hon Anna Bligh, and Virgin Blue co-founder and CEO, Brett Godfrey, the same evening.

More than 3000 guests and over 500 event, waiting and kitchen staff along with musicians, dancers and performers, will participate in a candlelight dinner from 8pm (Brisbane time) when Virgin Blue switches off the lights for Earth Hour along with millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Sydney and Tel Aviv.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “The decision was easy, but not so the logistical challenge. We are a participating company and it is a unique opportunity to underline the meaning of Earth Hour in a very meaningful way.

“Funds raised from our Hangar Ball go to many worthwhile causes and in 2008 our support is pledged to projects nominated by our team members under the theme of ‘Indigenous Peoples, Natural Environment’,” he said.

“Special arrangements” to cater for a continuous ball during Earth Hour will be revealed on the night and Virgin Blue has also made arrangements to ensure the ball is carbon neutral.

Even without the added requirements for Earth Hour, staging the epic event includes complex logistics to transform the Pinkenbah hangar from a venue designed to hold aircraft, into a ballroom for 3000 Guests.

With no kitchens on site, tons of equipment is trucked in, including ovens, cold rooms, chairs tables, crockery, cutlery, and glassware to enable preparation and service of a menu created by Brett’s Wharf Executive Chef, Alastair McLeod.

Construction of the dance floor, audio visual wall, lighting, staging, bathrooms and provision for bands including Marcia Hines, Rogue Traders, Evermore and Housequake and a Mega charity auction will take place over three days.

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