Masked ball to make dreams come true

Rachael Woodham and her brother Luke prepare for a masquerade ball fund-raiser for Project Gen Z. 158370 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Alana Mitchelson

FUNDS raised from a Pakenham masquerade ball will help support and inspire children in Cambodia to follow their dreams.
Pakenham resident Rachael Woodham, a former winner of the Casey Cardinia Business Award, is one of about 30 Project Gen Z volunteers, each with a target of raising $10,000 to help Cambodian children achieve their goals.
The group of business owners and entrepreneurs Australia-wide will visit Cambodia in October to undertake community development projects with a focus on infrastructure, housing, fresh water and education through non-profit organisation Sunrise Cambodia.
Ms Woodham said their team hoped to raise more than last year’s $130,000.
“We will be using our knowledge and experience as business owners to encourage the children to take that step in their lives where they pursue their goals,” she said.
“All the money is put back into communities for children in Cambodia aged 12 to 18.
“We encourage them to dream big through our Dare to Dream education series and there’ll be a challenge similar to that of The Apprentice reality TV show where kids will get the opportunity to start and run a business.”
Ms Woodham said the same group of volunteers visit each year to ensure the children stay on track.
While she has visited many third-world countries in the past, this will be her first trip to Cambodia.
“The ball is my first time organising a fund-raiser. It’s a bit more stressful than what I was expecting. There’s been lots of learning from my end.
“I’ve always worked with children, and have a 12-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. Project Gen Z is a charity that really suits me. I couldn’t think of anything more relevant to me and what I’m passionate about.
“There’s no dress code as such for the masquerade ball, what you wear can be a bit out there and you could win best dressed. It’s all about just having fun.”
Other fund-raisers contributing to this year’s project have included trivia evenings, movie nights and business events with guest speakers.
The masquerade ball is at 7.30pm on Friday 2 September at the Pakenham Golf Club. It will feature a silent auction and an award will be presented for best dressed man and woman throughout the evening.
Tickets are $59 each, with all money raised donated to Project Gen Z. Bookings are required.
Those interested in attending may contact Ms Woodham on 0405 156 857 or at rachael@dreameramusements.com