Music Industry Rivalries 'Put Aside' For Fundraising Lunch

The annual Golden Stave fundraising lunch for children's charities will take place Friday 29 June, after the music industry event raised over $520,000 for NSW children's charities last year.

Hosted by Bianca Dye and Shaun James, the luncheon will feature performances by The Black Sorrows, 1927, Bluejuice and Diesel as well as memorabilia auctions and 'best dressed' male and female prizes for the Heroes & Villains theme.

Committee member and head of the XYZ Music Channels, Shaun James told theMusic.com.au that industry rivalries are put to one-side for the afternoon.

"They certainly are put aside," he said. "The atmosphere in the room is one of celebration and everyone really does band together to provide great auction items, performers and donate money on the day. It is also a great opportunity to catch up with old colleagues. Probably the only time we seen the competitive streak come out is during the auction – we are more than happy for competitors to try and outbid each other!"

James has been involved with Golden Stave since the early '90s, as well as being a committee member (made up of music industry professionals) has recently become a trustee.

"I do get involved in introducing the main auction items," he says of the day, "but we now also have a silent auction running side of the room for the entire day – we have everything from incredibly generous advertising packages donated by some of our biggest media companies to exclusive signed music and sports memorabilia - items that people normally just couldn't buy. Happy for people to donate more items to auction – we are grateful for any contributions! It all helps."

Although the lunch has become a major networking date on the calendar for industry-types, there is a serious side to the afternoon. Last year the money was donated to 19 charities ranging from The Children's Hospital Westmead to Musicians Making A Difference and Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches to Wheelchair Sports NSW.

"Many of the charities we support also provide music therapy in children's hospitals and for children living with debilitating conditions," James said, "music certainly is a healer and can bring a smile and provide escapism in the worst of times."

He added, "We have some fresh new members on the committee that are a great support in pulling the day together and constantly coming up with fresh ideas. We are constantly working to educate the younger members of the industry not involved about why we are doing what we do and why its so important.

"Last year we raised just over $500,000 which in these tough times was a fantastic result. If we can get 600 people attend, and some great prizes to auction – we are half way there."

Tickets to the 34th Golden Stave Charity Luncheon are available from their website.