Aurora’s community appeal

Gay and lesbian charity The Aurora Group is hoping the prospect of luxurious prizes will boost community interest in its upcoming annual dinner.

For the first time, the first 20 tables to book for the Aurora dinner in June will be in the running to win a luxurious harbour cruise.

And everyone who books a ticket to the seventh annual dinner will have the chance to win a Vmoto motor scooter.

That’s to help us get people in early and give them a bit more excitement, Aurora chairperson Jane Marsden told Sydney Star Observer.

Aurora organisers have announced Justice Virginia Bell of the NSW Supreme Court will be guest speaker at this year’s dinner.

Virginia’s an erudite speaker, she’s incredibly witty and eloquent, Marsden said. She has a lot to say about society, she’s a very aware woman.

After its successful Plucked Again literary fundraising dinner on Monday, Aurora is also encouraging the community to donate to its ongoing Giving Program.

Aurora will give donations to gay youth support group Twenty10, the NSW Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service and smaller organisations that might otherwise miss out.

We really want to get out there to those smaller groups that don’t have huge fundraising abilities, Marsden said.

Small grants of even $5,000 can support a community project for 12 months.

There’s no lower limit and there’s no upper limit -“ every little bit helps.

The Aurora dinner is on 24 June at Sydney Town Hall. To book tickets or make a donation to the Aurora Giving Program, visit the Aurora Group’s website.