Night Off Night Out 2008

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About Night Off Night Out

In 2000 three women met at pre-natal exercise classes when they were all pregnant with their first child. After getting together on a monthly basis to catch up they realised that raising a young child and trying to keep up with friends on a regular basis was more difficult than they had originally anticipated. This led to the idea of a "night out" for friends and their mother's groups - given the overwhelming changes that a child can bring to a family and limited opportunities for "social" time.

They agreed that whilst they were lucky not have suffered depression from becoming a mother they all knew women who had. They decided to host an event to raise money for an organisation that assisted women and chose to try and assist the Post and Antenatal Depression Association ("PANDA") by organising a fundraising dinner for women.

The first Night Off-Night Out event took place in 2003 and it gave 180 ladies a "night off" from their everyday life as well as a "night out" with girlfriends. A fantastic night was had by all that attended and $4,580.00 was raised and donated to PANDA.

Since that date Night Off-Night Out has been PANDA's annual fundraiser. Each year the attendees have increased and the event now caters for 500 attendees. A total of $61,510.00 has been donated to PANDA, funds that have helped PANDA continue to provide a unique service to women and their families throughout Victoria. Over the years Night Off-Night Out has been privileged to have entertainers such as Denise Drysdale, Brigitte Duclos and Matt Tilley donate their time to MC the event.

The face of Night Off-Night Out has changed too. In 2003 Night Off-Night Out was coordinated by Amanda Driscoll, Amanda Cox and Romina Oehl. In 2004 Amanda Cox resigned and Mia Gartley, Jackie Cornish and Shelley Culpin joined Amanda Driscoll and Romina Oehl to run the event. Changes took place again in 2005 when Jackie Cornish resigned and Laura Teal, Cathy Price and Rita Simonelli joined the Committee. In 2006 Rita Simonelli resigned. The 2007 event was conducted by Amanda Driscoll, Mia Gartley, Laura Teal, Cathy Price and Shelley Culpin after the resignation of Rita Simonelli and founding Committee Member, Romina Oehl.

For the first time Night Off-Night Out 2008 will be conducted by PANDA. Amanda Driscoll, founding Night Off - Night Out Committee Member has joined the team at PANDA and she brings Night Off - Night Out with her. The past Committee members continue to support the Night Off-Night Out event and will be found enjoying the night with all of the other attendees. The aim of Night Off-Night Out remains the same - to have a fun night out whilst raising much needed funds for PANDA.

Night off Night Out would not be the success it is without the amazing support of many sponsors and donors of prizes, funds, and services.

Please take the time to check out the SPONSORS for Night Off - Night Out 2008