Jacinda’s Star Power Shines at Geneva’s Spring Ball

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Winston Peters, celebrities and other Government VIPs helped light up the night at Geneva Healthcare’s annual Spring Ball for persons with disabilities. This year’s ‘Dancing With Our Stars’ themed Ball was the biggest yet as hundreds of persons with disabilities from all over New Zealand became the dancing stars in a crowd of over 300 at Eden Park.

It was a night of glitz and glamour as ‘Dancing With The Stars’ celebrity contestant, Suzy Cato, and Miss International Oceania, Michelle Isemonger, officially opened the event after a Karakia opening ceremony by the members of the Ngāti Whātua Orākei with Associate Minister for Social Development, Hon Peeni Henare.

“I really would have brought down the tone of the event with my inability to dance with any glamour or coordination,” Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern joked in her surprise video message on the big screens as wide eyed guests listened in awe. The video messages continued from Hon Winston Peters and Hon Carmel Sepuloni.

“The Geneva Spring Ball is a real opportunity to bring people together to create an inclusive environment,” says Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Minister for Social Development and Disability Issues. And while Hon Winston Peters jokingly warned everyone about not getting into anybody’s toes (as they dance), Suzy Cato got the crowd singing along to her classic “It’s Our Time” song.

The celebrity line up continued with one of New Zealand’s most loved TV personality, Peter Williams, who presented the night’s Ball King, Ball Queen, Best Dressed Support Worker and Best Dressed Table.

Geneva Healthcare are New Zealand’s trusted experts in aged care, illness, injury & disability support. They provide persons with disabilities with rehabilitation services at Geneva Elevator and a caring home environment at their Community Living Residences across Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, and Tauranga. This year’s annual Spring Ball is a great partnership between Geneva and other organisations who are coming together to make the event possible - Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand, BNZ, SecureCom, Ray White, Cactus Lab, Trademe, Fashion Uniforms and PB Tech.

“All of our Staff just adore what they do. We’re so privileged to look after our Clients and hold events like this which is so much fun. We’d love more people from around New Zealand and more Clients that may not (necessarily) be with Geneva to come in and join our events and see how much fun you can have despite your disability or limitations,” says Veronica Manion, Geneva Healthcare Chief Executive.

The night of dancing with our stars was a celebration of life, hope and all the exciting possibilities that await the residents of Geneva’s Community Living Homes and Geneva Elevator Clients. Everyone left beaming with smiles and warm hearts as they look forward to next year’s Geneva Spring Ball.

WATCH THE EVENT VIDEO ON: bit.ly/SpringBallVideo

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