A glamorous evening of style, entertainment and community spirit is set to take centre stage in Te Puke next month, in support of a major new community hub.

The Fashion, Floral & Fabulous Night Out fundraiser will be held Thursday, May 7, at the Te Puke Citizens Club with organisers hoping for a strong turnout to help bring the Bay of Plenty Movement HQ vision to life.

The event will feature a high-energy fashion show, floral-themed décor, live entertainment, raffles and auctions, with tickets priced at $45, including a complimentary glass of bubbles and a raffle ticket.

Funds raised will go towards the planned Bay of Plenty Movement HQ – a multi-purpose facility designed to bring together sport, fitness and wellness providers under one roof. Gymnastics, parkour, dance, tumbling, soccer, trampoline, cross-sport training, cheerleading, martial arts, acro, tricking, holiday programmes, preschool play sessions, aerial/circus arts, adult fitness and more are expected.

An indicative drawing of the Bay of Plenty Movement HQ. Photo / Supplied

“It will be a hub that everybody can go to for sport, movement and wellness - from ages zero to 99,” Erin McKenna, general manager of Te Puke Gymsport said.

The proposed facility and collaborative project will bring together groups including Te Puke Gymsport, Te Puke Dance Studios, Te Puke Junior Football and the Graeme Dingle Foundation, with plans to expand offerings over time.

“The vision is that the whole whānau can be active at the same time,” McKenna said.

“Kids could be doing gymnastics or dance while parents take part in yoga, Pilates or other fitness classes.”

The project is estimated to cost about $5 million, with fundraising already underway. Organisers have raised about $150,000 towards the initial $200,000 needed for planning and consent, as part of a broader two-year fundraising campaign.

A “5 for the Future” campaign is also underway where individuals can donate $5, with more than $10,000 already raised.

If successful, the facility could be welcoming up to 25,000 users annually once completed, McKenna said.

Helping drive the fundraising effort is business owner Maree Cooper of ReeStyle Clothing Boutique, who is coordinating the fashion showcase for the night.

ReeStyle Clothing Boutique owner Maree Cooper is helping raise funds for a multi-purpose facility in Te Puke. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Cooper said the event with MC Darren McColl would combine fun with inspiration, featuring clothing for men and women across a range of styles.

“We’ll have a casual section, a smart dress section, and also an educational segment around capsule wardrobes - showing people how to mix and match key pieces,” she said.

Entertainment will include performances from local gymnasts, live singing and dance acts, adding to what Cooper describes as a lively and engaging atmosphere.

“It’s all about getting a group of friends together and coming out for a fun evening,” she said.

“We’ll have drinks, raffles, auctions – and lots of energy.”

Community involvement is at the heart of the event, with locals stepping up as models on the runway.

“Our models are locals, customers, friends and family, you might recognise someone up on the stage,” Cooper said. “Everyone gets behind them, and it creates such a fun vibe.”

Having previously helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for other causes, Cooper said she was proud to support a project that would benefit the wider community.

“I think it’s such an amazing thing for Te Puke to have – a space where people can come together, be active and be connected,” she said.

“Why wouldn’t you get in behind it? We are extremely grateful to the community organisations that are getting behind the event with donations and sponsorship for the raffles and auction,” McKenna said. “BOP Plumbing & Gas have given a significant donation towards the event.

“Anyone unable to join us on the night can still support the project through our 5 for the Future campaign by donating $5 or more to givealittle.co.nz/cause/bop-movement-hq.”

Doors open 6.30pm on May 7. Organisers encourage people to book tickets early.

Visit: www.bopmovementhq.co.nz