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mainevent - melbourne cup brunch
One thing that is truly outstanding about being a part of ANZA is the amount work and energy that our volunteers put into our activities. When a major event like the Melbourne Cup is pulled together, it’s our volunteers, not professional party planners who put in all of the effort making everything “just so.” At every event, there are those who show up and enjoy, and those who make it all happen. With that in mind, we are sharing two perspectives about our most recent fantastic charity event—the ANZA Melbourne Cup.
A Tale of Two Parties
The Guest
The Host
Arriving slightly late, but still before 9 AM, I mosey over to the champagne table and am quickly yanked to join friends in a group photo. We pose with our fascinators and hats of all kinds, decked out in springtime garden ware. After awkward drudging through Jakarta with bright pink feathers and butterflies on my head during morning rush hour, I felt comfort in taking my place among my flock of well-crowned hens.
"WOW" was my response as I began to see all the planning and preparation come together so amazingly for my first ANZA Melbourne Cup. A dedicated team worked tirelessly for weeks before and also on the big day to ensure that the table flowers were soft and dreamy; the table settings were simple and elegant; that the canapé and buffet food was plentiful and delicious; the drinks were chilled and free flowing; that the raffles, silent auctions and sweepstakes offered amazing prizes; that the striking headwear and gorgeous fashions on the field were acknowledged; that the race was seen in its entirety, and most of all, that all guests had a fabulous time. The tiredness and hard work was made worthwhile by the positive comments that we received, and also, by knowing that ANZA's social welfare program now has much needed funds for their worthwhile causes. YAY team.
by Monica Smith, ANZA Berita Editor
Cheers friends! While there were a few couples here and there, one aspect of this event that made it so special to me was that, for the most part, it was not a couples event. We were there as friends. I was seated with my friends from boot camp and looking around, you could see the tribes—tennis friends, board friends, social welfare friends. This event was not about our families or loved ones, but the great community that ANZA helps us build. The sweeps was explained to me—you selected your horse by lucky draw and then win if its number was a top finisher. I am not normally a gambler, but I happily jumped in once learning that the sweeps allowed us to have a little more fun during the race and supported ANZA’s social welfare program. I had a horse in both second and third places when the screen froze. Go Jakarta, go! The freeze continued as Cross Counter (horse 23) famously pulled up to the lead from WAAAY behind. My table neighbor and ANZA co-editor, Michelle, had double 23. Although quite happy for my friend, I was left only with one horse placing at number 4. I am still quite suspicious about the goings-on during the video freeze. I won neither raffle nor silent auction. Despite being such a loser, I won a beautiful brunch—eating enough to safely anchor my first-ever champagne breakfast. I felt absolutely privileged by this event. It truly was as lovely as the winners of our fashion on the field contest.
by Kerryn Filmer, ANZA Melbourne Cup Co-ordinator
It was a privilege to be a part of a team that worked tirelessly to get the ANZA Melbourne Cup "up and running.” We discussed menu choices with Chef Aloysius, ensuring that there were lots of delicious food selections to fill "mimosa tummies". We gratefully received amazing vouchers and products from generous sponsors that were raffled, auctioned and won by our “punters.” We planned beautiful bouquets for our elegant tables with our favourite florist. We designed a photo backdrop with elegant props that enhanced all the gorgeous guests outfits for the photos. The alcohol, juice and soft drinks were counted carefully into the cold room to ensure that we had a plentiful supply. We are also grateful to the various members who gave generously of their time to facilitate a smooth day: Fran, Karen, Rachael, Hilda, Jodie, Ling and Noriko. And of course, it goes without saying that Emmaleen and Renee shared their wisdom, experience and time so generously. And WOW, what a day it was...thanks to our guests for assisting in raising funds for our social welfare. It makes it all worthwhile.¿
