Duke Of York To Attend Gala Dinner

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Duke Of York To Attend Gala Dinner

Heineken To Host Rugby World Cup 2007 Gala Dinner With HRH The Duke Of York

HRH The Duke Of York, Graham Henry, Gareth Davies and Colin Meads Among VIP guests at The Charity Event Of 2007 in aid of The Starship Foundation

Auckland, 11 March 2007 – The Duke of York heads a group of stellar VIP guests attending a Rugby World Cup charity dinner in aid of the Starship Foundation in Auckland on Tuesday 20 March.

His Royal Highness joins rugby’s royalty at the Heineken Pre Rugby World Cup 2007 Gala Dinner organised by Opportunity UK.

Notable guests include All Blacks coach Graham Henry and former great Colin Meads and legendary Welsh captain Gareth Davies in a preview of the Rugby World Cup 2007 moderated by TV3’s Hamish McKay.

Other All Black legends including Jonah Lomu, Ian Jones, Alan Whetton and Grant Fox will also attend the gala dinner.

The MCs for the Heineken Pre Rugby World 207 Cup Gala Dinner will be comic geniuses David McPhail and Jon Gadsby.

Brian Blake, the managing director of DB Breweries, says it is an honour for the company to be involved.

“The presence of His Royal Highness The Duke of York as the Guest of Honour at the Heineken Pre Rugby World Cup Dinner helps provide a magnificent focus for a gala benefiting such a worthwhile cause as the Starship Foundation.

“Combine that with New Zealand’s national game and the world's number one premium beer together with many of the world’s rugby greats and you have a fitting tribute as we build up to the All Blacks’ challenge for the Rugby World Cup 2007,” says Blake.

Andrew Young, CEO of Starship Foundation says that the Gala Dinner evening will also include an exciting charity auction in aid of the Foundation.

“Some of the auction items will include much-sought after first class packages to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, with flights, accommodation and hospitality included!”

Young also says that the standout auction item will be the rare, a hand-signed guitar by all members of Pink Floyd (Roger Waters (who signs "Best"), Nick Mason, Richard Wright & David Gilmour).

“All the Pink Floyd signatures are in silver metallic and stand out and contrast beautifully with the custom-made, eye-catching and flawless guitar. Pink Floyd, the great pioneers of psychedelic rock and visual live performances were Inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 so this is memorable piece of rock history.”

“There will also be a special item from Kiwi super-model Kylie Bax as well as selected pamper and luxury packages so there is something for everyone and we’re sure the bidding is likely to be intense!” says Young.

Heineken is the official beer of the Rugby World Cup 2007 being held in France in September and October.

Tickets to The Heineken Pre Rugby World Cup 2007 Gala Dinner are $245 +GST per ticket; $2,450 + GST for a table of 10; $5000 + GST for a VIP table (of nine guests and a rugby legend). Tickets are limited and available online (www.galadinner.co.nz)

ENDS

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