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For the last nine years party-goers have been stepping out in their finest thrift store finds for the funkiest fundraiser on the Sydney social calendar, the Variety Op Shop Ball. Far from your average charity benefit, this year’s special 10^th anniversary event is set to be the biggest yet, with up to 500 people expected to pack Sydney’s iconic Town Hall on Saturday August 18 for the ultimate night of nights. Think sequins, faux fur, velvet, leather or even your mum's wedding gown!
Revellers from all walks of life, including celebrities, socialites and drag queens will don their most glamorous charity shop finds from vintage fashions to the most outrageous second-hand outfits, all while striking a post on the red carpet to raise funds for sick, disadvantaged and special needs children.

While a sell out crowd descended onto Sydney’s Sky Tower for last year’s event, this year’s anniversary event at Town Hall is expected to be even bigger and attract up to 500 people in the hope of raising $50k for Aussie kids in need. 

The stylish event will kick off at 7.00pm, with MC Mike Goldman and will feature a host of out-of-the-box entertainment as revellers vie for the coveted titles of Mr and Ms Op Shop Ball. Entertainment will include a special performance from The Faders, Paulini Curuenavuli and Arrnott Olssen.

 

Variety Board Director, Bernt Schindler, is urging Sydney-siders to Op-frock up, and join the glitterati for a night to remember saying, “We have been overwhelmed by the support for this event in past years, from both celebrities and the public. This year, we’re planning to up the ante with an even more star-studded, glamorous and eye-popping spectacle; so we want the public to get on board in helping us blow our previous fundraising efforts out of the water. We want to see Town Hall bursting at the seams with stylish party-goers,” says Schindler. 

The night is all about having fun and getting dressed up for a very worthy cause. All proceeds from the Op Shop Ball will go towards Variety’s projects which look to improve the lives of sick, special needs or disadvantaged children in communities right across Australia.

Variety, the Children's Charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of children with special needs. In 2012, Variety celebrates 37 years of enriching, improving, and transforming the lives of children in need throughout Australia.

Tickets are available now by calling Samantha Holt on 02 9819 1001 or email samantha.holt@varietynsw.org.au