Parched March, Sydney’s month-long bar odyssey, has wrapped up for 2013 by throwing a huge VIP media and celebrity event at The Lawn, Ivy last night.
The rain didn’t deter guests from gathering on the second level of Ivy to enjoy delicious cocktails by Suntory, wines from Wild Oats and canapés. Founder of Parched March, Amy Cooper, gave a heartfelt speech thanking everyone involved before Simon Mercier, owner of participating Parched March venue Name This Bar, jumped on stage to auction off artworks created as part of Parched March. The Parched March PUP UP dog statues sold for a combined $2000, Merivale’s Justin Hemmes generously bought the Mambo Surfboard for $1500, Nacho Pop’s ‘Elephant’ artwork sold for $450 and Wade Osborne from band Amy Meredith sold his ‘Doggie Style’ artwork for $250, all money raised was donated to Animal Welfare League NSW.
Swing dancers graced the stage and got everyone doing the ‘twist’ before SYP, the Australian Psy impersonator, did an impromptu performance of Gangnam Style which got everyone jumping up and down!
The event was a media and celebrity frenzy, with guests including Dr Katrina Warren (celebrity TV vet), SYP (Australian Psy impersonator), Rex Lee (American actor from Entourage), Lynette Bolton (WAG Nation TV star and married to Sydney Swans player Jude Bolton), Amy Meredith (3-time ARIA-nominated Australian band), Hayley Jensen (former Australian Idol contestant), Annalise Braackensiek (TV presenter and model) and even our own Parched March furry brand ambassador Fashion Dog.
More than 60 Sydney bars mixed up special cocktails throughout the month of March, including Bondi Hardware, The Botanist, Gazebo Wine Garden, Hugo’s, Palmer & Co, Méjico, LL Wine & Dine and many more. The annual Good Times for a Good Cause has been the biggest year yet with over $40,000 raised in total over the month, a new record and double of what Parched March raised last year.
“Parched March helps raise money for Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL) by encouraging people to enjoy our city’s bars responsibly. It proves that doing good doesn’t always mean depriving yourself,” says Parched March Director Amy Cooper.
“It’s now become a much-anticipated event on the Sydney social calendar, bringing friends and colleagues together as well as showcasing this city’s brilliant bar culture.”
In 2013 Parched March put on a number of unique challenges and events, with highlights including:
The Parched March PUP-UP – Throughout the month of March specially commissioned papier mache dogs were decorated by Mambo artists, Jamie Durie and other celebrities, and appeared in participating venues. The unique artworks were auctioned off at the launch.
March 10th 2013: Pets at the Pub – at The Alexandria Hotel. Was a pet-friendly afternoon in Sydney’s biggest beer garden with interactive entertainment and celebrity appearances.
March 17th 2013: Pets at the Pub – Lord Dudley Hotel, Woollahra. Held a Best in Show dog contest, fun, prizes and special appearance from Dr Katrina Warren at the lovely English-style pub.
March 21st 2013: MR CBD, at Ananas at The Rocks turned up the heat in town, with a beauty parade and auction of the hottest male city workers. Brings new meaning to sex and the city! We have now crowned our very first Mr CBD for 2013, Angelo Bourras.
March 22nd 2013: Furry Friday Rescue Challenge – The fast-paced treasure hunt through participating CBD Parched March bars will saw teams following clues to find the Pup-Up dogs.
April 3rd 2013: The Wrap Party – The invite-only bash was the culmination of the month.
In the name of furry, charitable fun, Parched March 2013 has been the biggest celebration yet of Sydney’s top-notch bar culture. We’ll drink to that!
To find out more about Parched March, visit http://www.parchedmarch.com
Parched March, Sydney’s month-long bar odyssey, kicked off with a huge VIP media and celebrity launch event on Wednesday 27th March at The Loft, Kings Street Wharf.
Guests enjoyed cocktails by Suntory and canapés while watching the sunset on the balcony. Mambo artists, Lee McConnell and Ben Brown, painted and decorated a PUP UP dog statue, created by Tanya Dobble, and a Mambo surf board which has been donated to Parched March and will be auctioned off at the wrap party at the end of the campaign. Speeches were held by Amy Cooper, founder of Parched March, and celebrity brand ambassador Jamie Durie, who even brought his pup, Bodhi, up on stage with him – the venue made a special exception and let Bodhi be the only canine guest, especially for Parched March!
The event had a fabulous turnout, guests included Jamie Durie (horticulturalist and international award-winning landscape designer), Dr Katrina Warren (celebrity TV vet), Laura Andon (professional surfer and model), Aaron Bruce (Sydney Kings player), Sarah Stavrow (Fashion Commentator and founder of The Fashion Institute), Josh Flinn (TV fashion commentator), Matt Doran (Channel 10 TV presenter), (Sophia Hope (singer and former X Factor contestant), SYP (Australian Psy impersonator), Lynette Bolton (WAG Nation TV star and married to Sydney Swans player Jude Bolton), Tom Steinfort (columnist and Channel 9 TV presenter), and Amy Meredith (3-time ARIA-nominated Australian band).
More than 60 Sydney bars will be mixing up special cocktails throughout the month of March, including Bondi Hardware, Gazebo Wine Garden, Hugo’s, Palmer & Co, Méjico, LL Wine & Dine and many more. The annual Good Times for a Good Cause are set to be the biggest yet!
“Parched March helps raise money for Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL) by encouraging people to enjoy our city’s bars responsibly. It proves that doing good doesn’t always mean depriving yourself,” says Parched March Director Amy Cooper.
“It’s now become a much-anticipated event on the Sydney social calendar, bringing friends and colleagues together as well as showcasing this city’s brilliant bar culture.”
In 2013 Parched March tempts Sydneysiders to take part in a number of unique challenges and events, with highlights including:
The Parched March PUP-UP – Throughout the month of March specially commissioned papier mache dogs will be decorated by Mambo artists, Jamie Durie and other celebrities, and will appear in participating venues. These unique artworks will then be auctioned at the end of the month.
March 6th 2013: Petting Zoo Party – Lil’ Darlin, Darlinghurst. A fun party with a human zoo.
March 10th 2013: Pets at the Pub – at The Alexandria Hotel. Enjoy a pet-friendly afternoon in Sydney’s biggest beer garden with interactive entertainment and celebrity appearances.
March 14th 2013: BLONDE V’S BRUNETTES at Cargo Bar – Blonde vs Brunettes quiz night with interaction in fun games, dance off’s, live art drawing on a celebrity torso, challenging who is the smarter of the two.
March 17th 2013: Pets at the Pub – Lord Dudley Hotel, Woollahra. A Best in Show dog contest, fun, prizes and special appearance from Dr Katrina Warren at this lovely English-style pub. Plus – meet Bruce, the resident bulldog!
March 21st 2013: MR CBD, at Ananas at The Rocks is guaranteed to turn up the heat in town, with a beauty parade and auction of the hottest male city workers. Brings new meaning to sex and the city! March 22nd 2013: Furry Friday Rescue Challenge – A fast-paced treasure hunt through participating CBD Parched March bars will see teams following clues to find the Pup-Up dogs.
April 3rd 2013: The Wrap Party – This invite-only bash is the culmination of the month with awards for the best bars and fundraisers of Parched March 2013. With live music, entertainment and of course cocktails, the Wrap Party is always the most anticipated event on the Parched March calendar.
In the name of furry, charitable fun, Parched March 2013 will be the biggest celebration yet of Sydney’s top-notch bar culture. We’ll drink to that!
To find out more and take up a Parched March challenge, visit http://www.parchedmarch.com
Jessica Mauboy and Justice Crew will launch an exclusive Christmas shopping event across the Ipoh
Group’s premium shopping destinations – QVB, The Galeries, Strand Arcade, Chifley Plaza and No. 1
Martin Place – with public performances on Thursday 13 December. The live music kicks off Ipoh’s
festive season campaign, counting down the 12 days ‘til Christmas via daily interactive events and
prize giveaways.
Jessica Mauboy will take the stage at 6pm on the ground floor at QVB and performances are
staggered throughout the night, as customers move from centre to centre to complete their
Christmas shopping. Australia’s Got Talent winners Justice Crew perform at 6.30pm at The Galeries
ground floor and catch Mauboy live again in Chifley Plaza at 7pm. Finish off the night at the Strand
Arcade where trumpeter Paul Wheeler will be playing on level two.
Customers can embrace the festive spirit with complimentary beverages while they shop as well as
indulging in sweet treats courtesy of Haigh’s, Sublime Gelato, The Nut Shop, Sweet Infinity and Bon
Bon chocolates.
The Strand Arcade will host a pop-up Galliano cocktail bar amongst dazzling decorations designed by
Alex Perry, while The Galeries’ Summer Lounge complete with faux grass, palm trees and flamingos
is the perfect hideaway for those wanting to escape the holiday rush. Chifley Plaza’s larger-than-life
Citizens of Celebration installation is a must-see with its imaginative characters and modern design.
Other highlights include a roaming quartet of carollers in QVB, alongside the building’s iconic
Swarovski Christmas tree and Crystal Garden with Santa and his helpers. Plus gift wrapping on QVB’s
level two for a gold coin donation to Barnados.
An abundance of exclusive offers will be available on the night from top retailers including Alannah
Hill, Coach, Gorman, Incu, Ralph Lauren, Alex Perry, Farage, Kikki.K, MaxMara, Bristol & Brooks,
Manning Cartell and more.
Continuing the spirit of giving, Ipoh is offering over $50,000 worth of extraordinary prizes
throughout the 12 day countdown. Spend over $150 in any Ipoh centre to go into the daily draw. All
prizes build up to the ultimate present, a $10,000 MasterCard voucher on Christmas Eve.
Customers can also get a helping hand by picking up a free copy of Ipoh’s gift guide magazine with
insightful suggestions and personal anecdotes from leading Sydney-siders including Guy Sebastian,
Julie Goodwin, Tom Waterhouse, Antonia Kidman, Terry Biviano and Tim Ross.
Reconnecting the city with an authentic Sydney Christmas, this shopping event speaks to the
contemporary, stylish and time-poor values of the urban lifestyle. At a time when customers are
looking for engagement, expertise and a bit of fun, Ipoh is leading the way in revitalising the retail
experience with its captivating take on Christmas.
Independent Sydney designers, Alexia Gnecchi Ruscone of Eclettica and Sophie Toohey of Mr. Rose are hosting a “Festive Fling in the City” on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November, to offer busy city workers and dwellers an opportunity to get their Christmas shopping and festive wear nailed in a sumptuous environment.
Ideal for time-poor women who demand individual style and crave personal service, the “Festive Fling in the City” is taking the stress out of Christmas shopping by offering a well edited collection of fashion, accessories and curated gifts from around the world that are treasures to give, own and receive. Gentlemen are also welcome , in fact it’s perfectly suited for the male shopper who is looking for unique gifts for his unique femme.
Located in a suite overlooking Hyde Park at the Sheraton on the Park, shoppers will enjoy a boutique environment, personal service and gift recommendations, a glass of bubbly or two, complimentary gift wrapping and delivery.
With both Eclettica and Mr. Rose not readily available in the city of Sydney, it’s a great opportunity to access these independent Australian designers, who specialise in creating wardrobe wonders for women who love to create an individual style of their own.
Top Picks:
Eclettica – chic totes, handbags and accessories, expertly made in the softest Italian leathers and colourful cotton canvases, plus linen dresses and cotton separates inspired by the famed Mediterranean lifestyle; perfect for easy Summer living. La bella vita!
Mr. Rose – a stunning collection of silk print blouses and femme shirting and will show you how to style from work to play and get a chic holiday look in its relaxed cotton tunics, also find scarves from Paris, jewellery from London and gift vouchers available for all.
Santa Maria Novella – direct from Florence, exquisite lotions, bath salts, candles, colognes and unique gift ideas from this centuries old pharmacy. Beautifully presented, scented with natural essences, you just can’t go wrong with a gift from Santa Maria Novella!
A Festive Fling in the City
When: Thursday, 29 November, 4pm to 8pm
Friday, 30 November, 7:30am to 2pm
Where: Sheraton on the Park, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Yesterday Sydney Social 101 had the absolute pleasure of attending the Deshabillé Blogger Lunch at The Village, Gold Room in Potts Point.
Sydney Social 101 was in great company with 15 prominent bloggers from in and around Sydney. We were invited to the hot new Sydney bar, The Village in Potts Point to celebrate the collaboration between Deshabillé and Pink Hope.
We were joined by Deshabillé founder Roslyn Gleave and Pink Hope founder, Krystal Barter who talked to us about the collaboration and what we can do to help!
Deshabillé has joined forces with Pink Hope- Australia’s first community that provides accredited information and support for young women and their families who have a high risk of breast and/ or ovarian cancer. www.pinkhope.org.au
Even better, you can shop with a conscience as with Deshabillé’s Pink Hope range, 50% of all proceeds will go to the charity.
Throughout the lovely lunch event at The Village, Gold Room, we were treated to Pimms, sparkling wine and amazing canapés! They includes meat platters, calamari, arancini balls and pizza.
Pink Hope was founded by Krystal Barter who, sadly has been surrounded by breast cancer all of her life with four generations of her family suffering from it. Her family unfortunately carry the rogue gene BRCA1 which increases a carrier’s chances of developing breast cancer anywhere up to 85%. She always knew that she had a high risk of developing breast cancer but when she discovered that she carried the BRCA1 gene- the consequences really hit her. She decided to have a preventative mastectomy at only 25 – she has two children and decided that it was not worth the risk.
Pink Hope offers support and an expert team to help women through such situations.
As we departed we were treated with the most amazing goodie bags that contained a pair of the Pink Hope Deshabillé PJs, Clinique make-up, a lovely candle and a stunning bunch of flowers by Kavelle Flowers (below)!
The reason why I love Deshabillé so much is due to the quality and design of the collections!
Deshabillé, has the philosophy that everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful during their home time – that we should all be able to relax in comfort while also looking stylish; that we should be able to go to bed wearing pyjamas that not only feel beautiful against the skin but help us feel sexy as well; and that we should be able to wear warm and comfortable lounge clothes that also make us feel special. You know what, I blumin’ well agree!
So there are no more excuses for spending another minute at home in those saggy track pants and that ten-year-old hooded XXL size jumper. The Deshabillé beautiful sleepwear, loungewear, knitwear and beachwear has been designed to keep you looking gorgeous and feeling fabulous while you enjoy your down time.
Deshabillé was formed in 2006 by Roslyn Gleave and are based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It is stocked in around 100 boutiques across Australia and internationally in New Zealand, Canada, USA, Japan, The Netherlands and Lebanon.
Deshabillé works closely with a talented artist to exclusively design many of our prints and are known for our sophisticated, fashion-forward prints & luxe fabrications.
Finally, Deshabillé releases two collections each year: The ‘Summer’ collection consists of sleepwear, beach dresses & beachwear. The ‘Winter’ collection consists of sleepwear, loungewear & knitwear.
We are in the middle of Dream Week and Sydney Social 101 wanted to do a post to raise awareness of this very worthy awareness raising charity campaign.
DREAM WEEK is a platform that engages many partners of the Cosmetic industry in retail and publishing to offer hope and a greater awareness for the Look Good… Feel Better program, a free national community service for cancer patients. Look Good… Feel Better has been helping cancer patient’s deal with the appearance related side effects of treatment for 22 years. Now available in over 180 hospital locations around the country.
The Cancer Patients Foundation, in association with the cosmetic industry is proud to announce David Jones, Myer and Terry white Chemists as official retail partners of “DREAM WEEK”.
The celebration of Dream Week nationally will take the message of the program to the community and help raise vital funds so more cancer patients can benefit from this uplifting workshop experience.
From Sunday September 9th- 15th 2012, David Jones and Myer will donate $1 from the sale of every lipstick and lip gloss to Look Good …Feel Better . Terry White Chemist is also on board for 2012, selling Dream Week pins in 144 of their stores. All three retailers are also devoting resources to promotion and education of customers about LG…FB through in store promotion, digital media and catalogue and windows.
In addition there will be 4 pop up Kiosks for Dream Week in :
1.Chadstone Melbourne 2. Westfield Sydney City 3.Queens Plaza Brisbane 4.Westfield Bondi Junction
Beautiful Dream Week merchandise all emblazoned with the Tree of Dreams will be available for sale. All proceeds will help more cancer patients attend the free Look Good…Feel Better workshops.
Every store will sell a the unique Tree of Dreams pin for $5.
Throughout 2012 over 120,000 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer. To ensure more cancer patients can benefit from this free community service program, to lift their spirits and restore self esteem we must spread the word.
Check out www.dreamweek.org.au
Follow on twitter.com/#!/lgfbaustralia
Look Good…Feel Better ( LG…FB) is a free National community service program for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
The appearance related side effects of treatment, such as loss of hair and changes to the colour and texture of the skin, can have a devastating effect on a person’s self esteem and confidence.
The objective of LGFB is to help rebuild self-esteem and personal image by providing practical support through the use of skin care, make-up, wigs, hats and turbans.
Over 100,000 Australian women living with cancer have been helped by the program to date, supported by our dedicated network of over 1,700 volunteers from the beauty and hair care industries.
Look Good Feel better is the only charity initiative that utilises the knowledge and products from the very industry that created it. Dream Week will align the glamorous event of Dream Ball with the theme of hope and its true work of raising funds for a cancer patient’s benefit
David Blakeley, Managing Director of Chanel and Chairman of the Cancer Patients Foundation said, “The Australian cosmetic industry at large should feel most proud of the evolution of Dream Week- 7 Days of Hope. Due to their remarkable and increasing support we are growing each year, most importantly in the area of awareness. With the help of our generous friends in retail, Dream Week has become the most significant aspect of the Look Good…Feel Better landscape. The visual impact engages the public with its vibrant nature. It speaks with a positive tone to the very people touched by cancer. It expresses the joy of Hope”
I am a big advocate for charities what really do make a difference to people’s lives! When my very good friend told me about FRESHSTOCK! a fundraising initiative from the Hype Committee (a group of admirable individuals who work to raise funds for the Sir David martin Foundation) I couldn’t help but announce that I’d do my bit to spread the word! Please find details of the event that is taking place in Bondi next weekend (8/7/12) below, hope you can make it! (Beers, bites and beats all for a good cause, why wouldn’t you!!?)
Saea Banyana, the dance stars of the Great Gatsby are hanging their hats to this worthy cause on Sunday 8th July, as they announce an exclusive performance at Bondi Pavilion as part of the Hype Committee’s ‘ FRESHSTOCK’ event to help raise much-needed funds for The Sir David Martin Foundation.
The admirable charity works to raise money to fund programs that work to better the lives of youth in crisis across Australia. With an astounding 75% of youth cases suffering from a mental illness and a staggering – one in three – has previously attempted suicide.
WHAT: FRESHSTOCK will provide the opportunity for Sydney-siders to enjoy performances by some astounding local talent and enjoying some tasty bites and brews from suppliers such as the Beer Factory and Brothers Cider, amongst many others.
To satisfy your appetite for fresh, tasty locally produced food, the fabulous Cantina Mobil will be parked inside the event for duration of the event. Other FRESHSTOCK delights will be available from Sugar Bowl and Spoon, Homemade-dinners and many more.
WHERE: FRESHSTOCK is being held at the Bondi Pavilion
WHEN: The Hype Committee organized FRESHSTOCK event will be held on Sunday July 8th from 12-6pm
WHO: The event promises to be an enjoyable day, in addition to the exclusive performance by dance troupe Saea Banyana, who is featured in the upcoming blockbuster move: Great Gatsby, there will also be performances by renowned local talent including Bondi local DJ VMX, Triple J Unearthed talents Minus House & Belle and the Bone People as well as many others.
FRESHSTOCK promises to be a fabulous festival of fundraising, food and drink for a fantastic cause. Tickets can be purchased from http://www.sdmf.org.au/news-events/48 for $30 pp.
I am a big supporter of the McGrath Foundation, having had two of my very good friends recently touched by cancer, I understand all too well how devastating cancer can be! This is why i want to tell you all about the J&J O’Brien Group (JJO), who is back with its highly anticipated annual pink fundraiser ‘Cosmopolitans for a Cause’. This year’s event, being held at The Watershed Hotel and Cohibar in Darling Harbour on Wednesday June 6th, is set to be the most extravagantly delightful event so far! With a record 500 tickets available, the party will play host to hundreds of women, and a few brave men, looking for a fabulous night out all in support of a very worthy cause – breast cancer treatment and awareness.
The fundraiser will once again support the McGrath Foundation. Over the past four years the ‘Cosmopolitans for a Cause’ event has raised over $28,000 for breast cancer related organisations.
The 2012 event will not disappoint! It’s set to be, as it has such a reputation for, highly fashionable and very enjoyable. The namesake cocktail that ignites women worldwide, the Cosmopolitan, will practically be on tap with guests enjoying the beverage complimentary for 2 hours! On stage, four piece band ‘One Hit Wonders’ will be reviving the best of Disco, Glam Rock and Pop sure to please all and see the dance floor come alive!
Guests will also delight in the company of ‘Butlers in the Buff’ while snacking on an array of delicious canapés and charming Gelatissimo bambinos plus receive a gift bag each valued at over $100RRP with a collection of munchies, fashion tid-bits and health & beauty products. The highly regarded raffle which this year tops $12,000 in value includes prizes kindly donated from global fashion houses Gucci, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo and Miu Miu and other equally leading companies in industries including accommodation and hospitality.
The annual event and the cause itself have attracted the gracious support of many wonderful companies over the years and this event is equally successful with the backing of brands Smirnoff, Joh Bailey, Peeptoe, Revlon, COTY, U Little Beauty, Silkwood Medical, Crazy About Flowers, Menduni Props, Cedel, Anytime Fitness, Lion, Accor Group, Hordern Pavilion, Redwin, Moxie, Le Tan, Slim Pasta, IsoWhey, Gorgeous Cosmetics, Looksmart, Papulex, Palmers, Rekreate Cakes and Gourmet Rabbit of RabbitEarth.com.
The McGrath Foundation, celebrating 10 years, raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities’ right across Australia, as well as increasing breast awareness in young Australian women. Breast cancer is a disease that currently affects one in nine Australian women of all ages and backgrounds.
JJO is a leading Sydney hospitality group comprising of a number of iconic Sydney’s venues including Jacksons on George and the Marlborough Hotel. This reputable hoteliers group has extensive experience operating bars, restaurants and clubs for over two decades.
Tickets are $65 each with all proceeds from the raffle and a portion of ticket sales going to the McGrath Foundation. For ticket enquiries please contact JJO on 02 9251 1200 or visit www.iwannaticket.com.au.