Have a ball with Alfie Langer and Jimmy Maher

That is just one of the sought-after items certain to attract some spirited bidding during the charity auction at next month’s Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball.

Planning for the May 25 gala charity event at the MECC, being organised by Sunrise Rotary Club of Mackay, is coming together well, including an impressive list of auction items.

Sunrise Rotary Club president Pauline Townsend said Jimmy Maher from the Queensland Bulls Masters had a good relationship with council and Mackay through various cricket events staged in recent years.

She said Maher had been more than willing to assist put together some auction items for this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball.

“Jimmy and Alfie will donate their time for a backyard barbecue for 15 mates and they’ll bring 10 cartons of XXXX with them.

“Other items they’ve helped source include a fully catered box for 10 people at the Gold Coast races and an outdoor box at a Brisbane Heat game at the Gabba.”

Another highly-sought after charity auction on the night will be a framed guitar signed by Ian Moss, Boom Crash Opera, Pseudo Echo, Rose Tattoo, Baby Animals and James Rayne, complete with photos of the bands.

There will also plenty of sporting memorabilia, including a signed and framed Gold Coast Suns jersey and ball and signed and framed Melbourne Storm and NQ Cowboys jerseys.

The Mayor’s Charity Ball, a major initiative of Mackay Sunrise Rotary Club, has raised more than $500,000 to support local charities since its inception 15 years ago.

Mackay Regional Council and the MECC are playing a larger role in the organisation of this year’s ball, forming an organising committee with Sunrise Rotary Club.

Mayor Greg Williamson said planning was coming together well and ticket sales were encouraging.

“Corporate sponsorship for this year’s ball is at a record level, which is great to see,’’ Cr Williamson said.

“Plenty of sponsors have come onboard to help raise money for good cause. Monies raised at the ball will go towards helping Mackay kids suffering trauma through domestic and family violence.”

The night will include entertainment by Stylus Crew and Melbourne speed painter Gavin Bell.  Emcees will be Jay and Dave from one of the media partners Triple M Mackay and the Whitsundays.

Tickets are $185, with a reduced price of $1750 available for a table of 10. Book now at themecc.com.au

Major sponsors are DGH Engineering, marking its 10^th year of support for the ball, Fergus Builders and Darlymple Bay Coal Terminal.