Mad Hatter’s Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party at The Wharf,
Auckland - 30 September

Join us for a fabulous afternoon quaffing bubbles and biscuits whilst overlooking the Waitemata Harbour at The Wharf, Auckland's newest function venue with undeniably the most beautiful waterfront panorama in Auckland. Upon arrival you will be served with a glass of bubbles followed by a choice of several varieties of tea, finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam and clotted cream, a range of delicate pastries and of course Arnott’s Tim Tam, combined to make for an unforgettable afternoon.
During the afternoon spectacular prizes will be under the hammer including celebrity painted tea plates and generous hampers from some of our sponsors. Guests will also be invited to paint their own tea-cup and take it home with them. The event will be MC'd by BCAC spokesperson April Ieremia who will be joined by a host of friends from the world of media.

Dress code is Mad Hatter's so please come wearing your most magnificent millinery (AKA hats).

Mad Hatter's Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party at Riccarton House,
Christchurch - 2 October

Dress code is Mad Hatter's so please come wearing your most magnificent millinery (AKA hats).

Kick Up Your Heels Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party at The Function Room, Nick Smith's Electoral Offices,
Nelson - 12 October

A delightfully sinful morning tea will be on offer, plus the chance to win goodies in our raffles and spot-prize draws.  Maxine has a passion for shoes.  She will be displaying a selection from her wonderful, 300-pair collection, and will personally donate a fabulous prize for the guest who turns up wearing the “Most Amazing Shoes!

Tickets are $15 each - please contact Maxine Cook (03) 540 2177

To hold your own Arnott's Tim Tam Pink Tea Party find out more here »

To give you some ideas
read about some of the Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Parties from 2007

Auckland Launch at Mollies 26 September 2007
Mollies Hotel was the setting for the media launch of the Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink campaign. Guests enjoyed a glass of pink bubbles followed by a wonderful high tea. Campaign spokesperson April Ieremia (pictured with Brenda Ward) hosted the afternoon which was a great success. Mollies owner Frances Wilson, Jack Bourke and Mollie's staff ensured that the event was enjoyed by all.

Wellington Launch at Parliament 27 September 2007
(This report comes from Margaret Voyce)
Dr Jackie Blue with co host April Ieremia were delighted to welcome guests to our Pink Party Parliamentary Breast Cancer reception. After a quick walk down the one of the hallways of power (decorated with a bevy of pink helium filled balloons), the over 60 guests were guided towards the decorated party room. Billed as a tea party with a difference  - and certainly not a tea bag in sight - the beverage of choice for most of our audience was pink effervescent bubbles. MC drag queen Ms Mia Slapper hosted the event. Her pink spark delighted and entertained as did our young new emerging opera star, Barbara Graham. We happily welcomed young ladies, their supporters and teachers from Wellington Girls College. Three students have been raising money separately for BCAC. Their hand made, ornate and unique 'WOW'-like bras were modeled by their designers, and later auctioned. Their efforts alone raised $350. Getting into the true sprit of the event, Mia tried to auction herself. However, after placing a large reserve price on herself - and after a negotiation with the Auctioneer - she quickly realised she was priceless and withdrew. Our holistic approach was not simply a fundraising event, but also raised awareness of the disease of breast cancer. The event was declared ‘a pink success’!

Dunedin Launch at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery 27 September 2007
(This report from Jan McLean, host of the launch. Visit http://janmcleandolls.blog.co.nz)
Wow! Good on you Dunedin ! What a fantastic evening of bubbling pink champers, balloons and ribbons at the launch last Thursday of the Arnott’s Pink Tim Tam Breast Cancer fundraiser. Hosted by local businesswoman, Jan McLean (pictured with BCAC's Jane Bissell), the event saw the foyer of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery flowing with a buzz of people enjoying an evening of hot auction items, fantastic raffles and a gorgeous lingerie fashion show.
Through the deep and generous pockets of invited guests, the evening was an overwhelming success raising NZ$15,000 towards the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) ‘My Journey Kits’ for woman with breast cancer. The Dunedin event attracted a crowd of about 180 who mingled whilst sipping pink champagne and delicious berry juices courtesy of Reload Salad & Juice Bar.
Many thanks must also go out to the Dunedin Public Art Gallery for providing such a fantastic venue. Also thanks to the many very generous local busin esses who made the night such a success by donating a number of high value items for the auction. The auctioneer, Ray Keane, along with the help of Ngaire Sutherland did a wonderful job by exciting the crowd and challenging them to outbid each other.Thanks to the wonderful staff of Arthur Barnett’s, the crowd was dazzled by an underwear show of gorgeous local ladies showing off the latest range sexy bras. We were then treated to a heart stopping modelling of men’s underwear by the presence of Otago Highland Warrior, Warwick Diack and Lockie, two very brave but good looking men. There was a buzz in the air and shrieks as the men strutted down the stairs in their kilts to reveal stunning sexy underwear and then mingled in the crowd. Definitely not for the faint hearted. Through out the evening exciting things were happening with a surprise visit from the Tall Ferns who offered for auction a signed shirt. There were some wonderful raffles, delicious food courtesy of Bede Beaumont Catering and a constant flow of pink champers and Reload (7 Frederick St) berry juices. Special thanks to everyone who came along and helped make this event such a great success – it would not have been possible without your support.

Women's Lifestyle Expo Christchurch September 29-30 2007
Three BCAC representatives manned a beautiful Pink Tim Tams stall at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo held in Christchurch the weekend of 29 – 30 September. The Expo offered BCAC the opportunity to meet with thousands of women and to offer them a taste of the wonderful Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink biscuits! It also gave those Christchurch women who have experienced breast cancer an opportunity to speak with BCAC about their journeys.
$2400 was raised through sales of raffle tickets, tickets to the Christchurch regional Tim Tam Pink launch and copies of Jane Bissell’s book Welcome to the Amazon Club. BCAC would like to extend thanks to the local businesses who donated items for the raffles, to Christine Woodhouse of Peacock Promotions for inviting BCAC to the Expo and to Peek Displays for the wonderful, eye-catching display stall. Situated in the Expo foyer, it was hard for those attending to walk by the BCAC display without stopping!

Tauranga Launch at Bravo 1 October 2007
(This report from Julie Blake, Breast Cancer Support Services Trust Tauranga)
The Bay of Plenty launch of the Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Parties was held at Bravo Restaurant on Monday 1st of October with around 60 local women enjoying a lovely morning tea party. There was plenty of interest in the tea party concept and many of the women have indicated they will be hosting a tea party to raise funds for BCAC. Speakers included Jane Bissell from BCAC, Dr Deborah Andrews from Medex Radiology and breast cancer survivor and artist, Susan Harrison-Tustain. Local group , Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Service hosted the morning which raised $700 towards the campaign.

Christchurch Launch at Mona Vale 5 October 2007
The day was stunning and the setting in the grounds of Mona Vale (pictured at right) was fit for royalty as 80 guests enjoyed a superb afternoon tea party to celebrate the launch of the Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party fund campaign in Christchurch. A string quartet played while guests enjoyed a glass of champagne followed by tea and delicious pink treats – lamingtons, Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink biscuits and cup cakes. Mona Vale is a Christchurch landmark – a beautiful old home set in glorious gardens by the river, now a delightful function venue. Visit www.monavale.co.nz  

Waikato Launch at The Narrows Landing 5 October 2007
(This report from organiser Raewyn Calvert)
Around 140 women were treated to a special afternoon at The Narrows Landing thanks to the generosity of Brian Hermann. The guests were welcomed to the mellow tunes of our guest cellist, Ros Hill, and with a glass of pink bubbles. After introductory speeches, Debbie Harwood (When the Cat’s Away - pictured with Raewyn Calvert below) sang some of her jazz pieces while guests partook of some delicious savoury nibbles. The fashion parade followed featuring designs from Annah Stretton and Caroline Eve. The models were ‘real women’, escorted by one of our New Zealand Eights Rowers, Selwyn Cleland. The ‘French section’ of the fashion parade also featured miniature dogs who really stole the show. An amazing selection of sweet treats and tea and coffee followed as we moved into an auction of items donated from all around The Waikato. We were delighted to raise in excess of $4300. The auction ended with a battle between two women for Selwyn’s signed rowing singlet (approval for us to auction this came from Rowing New Zealand just 10 minutes before this event!). Many of those who came along have requested a repeat of this next year – now there’s ‘food for thought!’

Katrina Dovey's Wonderful Pink Party (Tauranga)
Hi! My name is Katrina, I am 12 years old and I just had a pink tea party with my friends at home over the holidays. We had Arnott’s Tim Tams of course, balloons, raspberry slice and pink champagne (cranberry juice and lemonade). We decided to help as it is lots of fun to dress in pink for us and we can help to make sure that when we are older that breast cancer can be fixed early for everyone. We had lots of fun as we took time to get ready,had a fashion show,a swim and we raised $35.00. We have also entered the walk in Tauranga and my friends and I will walk with our Mums on the night.
Thank you for helping us make a fun fund-raising event and next time we will get a lot more people involved. Katrina Dovey

Hello from sunny Tauranga!
Shirley and her friends had a small tea party and raised $132.50! Wonderful!

Longbeach Holdings dress up in pink!
Joanne Clarke and her colleagues had a tea ...
'On Friday the 12th, the staff of Longbeach Holdings Ltd in Christchurch had a wonderful pink morning tea. Lots of delicious pink and pink inspired food and even a pink raffle. As a company mainly staffed by women we have been touched personally by breast cancer and I was delighted to see how many people dressed in pink attire (including our boss Bernard in a lovely pink striped shirt). Great Idea BCAC and we look forward to hosting it again next year. By the way our Auckland office joined in the fun andhad a pink tea of their own. The company makes a large donation every year to Breast Cancer but we are proud of our smaller but very personal donation.'

Heather's Party raises $600!
Have sent a cheque off for $600 for a tea party which was held on October 13 2007. Here are some photos taken on the day. Cheers Heather Jones

Annie's elegant silver and china tea party
I am pleased to report the success of my hilarious 'Pink Tea Party' which happened 17th October. A number of friends, decked out in very silly pink things, gathered for afternoon tea at my home. We used the best silver and china and nibbled on Arnott’s Tim Tams and other pink biscuits - indeed a sugar overload. We raised $70 which I will forward to the given address. It was a pleasure to be able to assist a wonderful cause and have so much fun at the same time. Sincerely, Annie Duff

Pink party girls
Our Sunday Tea Party (October 14) was a success, we raised nearly $400 and really enjoyed being able to help a worthy cause. I have just sent our cheque off to the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition. Warmest regards, Tamara Rubanowski

In the pink at Sky City
We would like to share that many people in this office know someone that has been affected by Breast Cancer. We think what you are doing is amazing and we would like to help in anyway that we can.... We organised a pink tea party with everyone bringing something pink to eat or drink and having to wear something pink. Keep up the great work!
From the Convention Services Team at SKYCITY

Hibiscus Coast blossoms!
The Hibiscus Coast Breast Friends held a Pink Tea Party and raised over $400. Local businesses donated items for raffles, everyone brought a plate of delicious goodies and a splendid time was had by all. Well done ladies!

Our youngest party-goer!
Thank you for the inspiration to hold a Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party. As a new Mum of Sarah, 5 months, I decided to host my ante natal and Plunket coffee groups and because it is something we all need to know more about I requested a guest speaker to tell us all about it and make us more self aware. My husband and I had fun decorating the house - hanging streamers and balloons, and I used my grand mother's 50 year old tea set (yes, sadly she passed away to cancer 11 years ago). We had Pink Tim Tams, strawberry cupcakes, and Merridee Sargent (Educator for The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation) gave an excellent presentation to make us all better informed. Everyone dressed in pink and made a donation to the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition, appreciating the presentation and enjoying the tea party. Many thanks, Jane

Auckland's lesbians party for breast cancer and raise $1383!!
About 60 of Auckland's lesbians turned out to show their support for women with breast cancer. Pink bubbly, tea, cakes, pink Tim Tams, ham, and sausage rolls were served and guests were treated to a fabulous raffle, a massage service, a belly-dancing display, and a "Guess the Bust Size" competition. Auctions were held for the position of official bust measurer and for a fantastic chef-cooked brunch in your own home, supplied by the lovely Linz Hart. Generous prizes were also supplied by local lesbian-run businesses D-Vice, The Women's Bookshop and the Mane Attraction. The afternoon was a magnificent testament to the kindness of Auckland's lesbian community.

Chelsea's Pink Tea Party
On Saturday 20th October, a group of 11 of 15-16 year olds from Cambridge got together for our Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party. On the menu were pink Tim Tams, strawberries, grapes, marshmallows, salmon and cream cheese, and pikelets with raspberry jam & pink cream. Singstar kept us occupied for a couple of hours, followed by a spa. All guests brought a donation for BCAC, and we raised $105. 3 of our mothers have had breast cancer, so this is a cause we feel strongly about.

Pink Cancer Bear joins the party!
My name is Janine Scheuber and my mother and I put on a Lovely Pink Tea Party for our neighbours and friends on the 18th October. I had made Pink Neenish Tarts and Pink Shortbread and Mum coloured pickled onions Pink! And OF COURSE we had Pink TIM TAMS that went down really well. We raised our funds with donations and lucky dips. Our neighbour donated 2 lovely dolls in a box which we auctioned, plus Mum and I had made up a box of goodies which we also auctioned - a nice novel, bottle of wine, wine glass, lipstick case, packet of Arnott’s Tim Tams, and a Pink Cancer Bear. From all of these we raised a good amount for the number of people present. Another Donation was a 1 metre high Pink Cancer Bear which we auctioned on Trade Me. We are happy to be able to send our raised amount to BCAC, so they are able to help and support people who need it. Thank you for the opportunity to be involved, and we look forward to next year’s promotion!

Clare's Pink Tea Party.
This report from party-goer Jocelyn Watkin ...
We raised a total of $165 for BCAC and $36 of that was as a result of auctioning the book "Welcome to the Amazon Club". It was most exciting. There was a great flurry of bidding, including a phone bidder who couldn't attend the party. Lots of whoops as the price raced up
and got down to the final two bidders, who slugged it out $ for $ for the winning bid. We then used pink play dough to each model a breast/ or breasts and Clare's husband was called on to judge these. He said he liked them all and gave us a Pinky bar each. As well as lots of yummy things to eat and drink, we all had a good time and have all agreed to meet again next year.

Our Pink Tea party was a hit!
This report from Sara of St Peter’s School, Cambridge
Approximately 210 students and staff supported this awesome occasion. As everyone entered the dining hall they were given a pink ribbon to wear for the day, that we put around their arm to show the rest of the school that they were supporting breast cancer.
We had two of our fantastic musicians sing for us through out the party. Spot prizes and raffles were also given. We raised approximately $1300, and we have had loads of positive feed back!
Everyone was extremely generous and keen to help make an encouraging difference to those in need. Have a lovely day!

Staff and residents 'jazz it up' for breast cancer!
Lynnaire Maguran writes:
Staff and residents of Trevellyn Life Style Care & Village, Hamilton, held a special Jazz Evening on Tuesday 16th October to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Week. The photo shows a group of residents enjoying the entertainment and refreshments.Total raised was $123.20!

The party's at Jocelyn's place!
Jocelyn Read reports:
On Sunday 28 October a Pink Tim Tam Tea Party was held at Jocelyn’s place in Tauranga. Pink balloons flew on the letterbox marking the house where the ‘party’ was being held. Guests were greeted by a large poster on the door and Jocelyn, the hostess, met them at the door wearing a flowing pink feather boa around her neck. The ‘collection cup’, as show in the photo, was strategically placed and $138.50 was raised for the Breast Cancer cause. Fifteen ladies, including a couple of teenage girls, plus one 5 month old breast-fed male, attended the Pink Tim Tam party. The Bay of Plenty sunshine shone as cold ‘pink drinks’ were served outside. We were a brave bunch as we’d brought a spare bra to play AbrakadaBRA. Having the group ‘eyeing’ up your bust size to see if it matched that of the bra being held up for all to see was slightly embarrassing. A three generation family tricked us by all bringing the teenager’s cute little bras, which explained why the highest score was 6/15! We enjoyed the opportunity to use the china tea sets, eat pink Tim Tams,wear pink and set up a pink décor and vases of pretty pink flowers. Old friends and new chatted and we remembered those whose lives have been touched by Breast Cancer. The most poignant moment was at the end when a friend scheduled to have a breast cancer operation 3 days later popped in so we could wish her all the very best.

North Shore Tea Party
This report from Deborah Van Wyk
On Saturday the 27th October 2007, 100 women attended a Arnott’s Tim Tam Tea Party at Bracs Restaurant in Albany to help raise funds for BCAC. Within 3 hours we managed to raise $3000.00. Raffles, silent auctions and spot prizes generously donated by companies on the North Shore and Auckland raised a healthy level of entertainment and excitement for the afternoon with woman winning prizes ranging from a trip around Auckland, stunning jewellery to beautiful gift vouchers. We listened to some wonderful speakers - Jane Rutledge from BCAC, Jillian Grant from Envision and Carole Chamberlain, international guest speaker - who generously contributed their time to the event.

The IRD pinks it up!
This report from Stephanie Riordan-Edmonds,Assistance Team Leader, Takapuna Call Centre
We held our Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party on Friday the 12th of October. Everyone dressed in Pink (I even wore Pink contact lenses) and decorated the Call Centre with Pink. On sale where the Pink Tim Tam's and other 'pink' goodies made by the staff. We held a raffle for Pink Gift Boxes and we also had an auction of donated goods. We raised $500.40 in the call centre and the rest of the building managed to raise another $1200 for Breast Cancer causes. A great day was had by all and for a worthwhile cause.

Look at that cake!
Susan's daughter put together this montage of pictures from their Pink Tea Party.

Hello from Soma preschool in Lower Hutt
(This report from Liz Goose) We had a lovely pink party on Tuesday the 13th November with 16 staff and family and friends attending. We had asked for $2 donations - and they are still coming in - at $120 so far.  We had some businesses for pink prizes, and were pleased with the outcome - that we played a quiz game "it's in the bag". We had pink food for supper, including home made pink meringues. Naenae swimming pool donated some pink swimming caps, Manna Christian bookstore donated 2 pink bibles and a novel called "Pink", and some small pink things also. A local Naenae dairy donated a big bag of lollies, and a Unichem chemist donated some pink items. Everyone put on their pink finery, and we had some lovely china teacups, and pink flowers decorating the tables.

You can lead a horse to champagne - AND make him drink!
This story from Barbara Giese
I hosted a Pink Cocktail party on November 10th. We had around 30 guests who brought pink food and were entertained by our white Arab horse who tried valiantly to assist by attempting to drink any pink champagne that happened to be near him. Needless to say, the guests kept their glasses to themselves! Prizes were awarded for the most creative pink dishes and interesting costumes.We had a great time and raise $260 for The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition. We now plan to make it an annual event. Here are a couple of the photos including one of Waitakere City's Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse looking most regal . Penny was awarded a special prize of a pink fan for her brie cheese that she painted with Breast Cancer ribbon symbols.

'Women Together' raise $3879.20!
This story from Donna Henderson
On Saturday 24th November our church women's ministry, Women Together, held an auction and pink Tim Tam tea party fundraiser at East Taieri Church in Mosgiel,and made $3879.20!!! Our local businesses from around Mosgiel and Dunedin "came to the party" and from this we were able to get some fantastic prizes to be auctioned. On arrival guests (about 70) mingled and chatted while sipping on pink lemonade (amazing what 3 drops of red food colouring can do if dropped in a lemonade bottle!) or red sparkling grape juice, and sampled gifts of food that had been donated. We had a couple of talented guitarists playing in the background to create a wonderful atmosphere. We also had a silent auction where guests could outbid each other for items simply by writing the next bid underneath the last one. Our auction was done in two parts, finishing with a generous donation of a double dish drawer from Fisher and Paykel. They had even done up a mock pink dishdrawer up on the night, decked out in the BCAC crosses! One of the women from our church shared her journey through losing both breasts on different occasions and her radiation and chemotherapy journey- very brave. Made us all very aware of how breast checks are so important. We had various other fundraisers, including a $5 table, raffles, and a competition for a bra made out of recyclable materials! and one of our team said she would get her hair shaved for the cause if enough money was raised. Hence she did it! It was a fantastic night, and we are stoked that so many women will benefit from the "My Journey Kits" that will be able to be made.

Did you host a Tim Tam Pink Tea Party for Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Share your story with us and send in the money you've raised for people affected by breast cancer. If you have a short story about your Arnott’s Tim Tam Pink Tea Party, we'd love you to share it with us, using the details below. Simply email us:

• a brief write up
• any photos you have of the event

To hold your own Arnott's Tim Tam Pink Tea Party find out more here »