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An evening of fine food and alpine-inspired fun will be held in Leigh in August.
The Leigh School PTA’s annual fundraising dinner will be held at Leigh Central on Friday August 15, transforming the venue into a cosy après-ski lodge complete with retro snow glamour, winter cocktails, dancing and a silent auction.
Now in its third year, the event has become a much-anticipated fixture on the community calendar. Last year’s dinner raised more than $19,000 for the school, funding a range of projects and resources including teaching materials, upgrades to the sandpit and mud kitchen, support for the school production, sun hats for all students, staff jackets and Chromebooks.
This year, the PTA hopes to build on that success, with a significant portion of the proceeds earmarked for much-needed maintenance on the school swimming pool, along with additional teaching resources.
Leigh School currently has 57 students across three classrooms.
PTA representative Emma Michelsen said the annual dinner is the school’s largest annual fundraising event, with every dollar raised going directly back into supporting students and staff.
Guests will be treated to a three-course winter feast prepared by two of the region’s top chefs. Jason van Dorsten, formerly of acclaimed Auckland and London kitchens including Café Hanoi, who cooks locally at Whanga Eats, is known for his focus on fresh, free-range produce sourced from the region.
Joining him will be Kate Rose, owner of Matakana cafe The Farmers Daughter, whose seasonal, community-focused approach has made the venue a popular destination.
Together, the pair will create a menu showcasing seasonal produce, local meats and line-caught fish from Leigh Fisheries.
“Jason and Kate share a philosophy of great ingredients, genuine hospitality and food that means something,” Michelsen said.
The evening will also feature a complimentary drink on arrival, a dedicated cocktail bar, a DJ and a silent auction featuring prizes donated by businesses and community supporters.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the event’s “Retro Snow Glam” dress code, with prizes for the best-dressed attendees. Organisers suggest everything from vintage ski suits and turtlenecks to fluffy coats and alpine-inspired accessories.
Tickets are $85 per person and include the three-course dinner and a welcome drink. Previous events have sold out, and organisers are encouraging people to book early.
“Think of it as the ski holiday without the airfare or the skiing,” Michelsen said. “Just the best part – great food, good company and raising funds for a fantastic cause.”
Tickets are available through Humanitix at: https://events.humanitix.com/apres-ski-leigh
