Fair Go host Ali Mau Fancy a private viewing of Fair Go’s taping, with Ali Mau as your hostess? How about a walk-on role on Shortland St? Or dinner at the home of same-sex marriage champion Louisa Wall? GABA has you covered with the adventures it's putting under the hammer at the 2012 Deluxe edition of its signature charity auction. The most glam gay event of the year will be held at The Langham Hotel’s Great Room on Sunday 14 October, and hosted by actor Andrew Laing. Andrew Laing will be the Master of Ceremonies Laing is perhaps best-known for his role as Dr Geoff Greenlaw on Shortland St, while he’s also currently singing up a storm in The Red Chair at Auckland’s Q Theatre. Laing says he’s thrilled to be associated with such a worthwhile and important event: “I’m excited to lend my support to an organisation that gives so very much to the LGBT peoples of Auckland.” The annual GABA Charity Auction artworks by Reuben Paterson and Graeme Hitchcock; a walk-on-role experience for two people on Shortland Street; and dinner-for-two at the home of Labour MP and same-sex marriage champion Louisa Wall. Laing’s troupe of glamorous assistants for the night will include Pacific drag icons Buckwheat and Tess Tickle, contemporary dancer Christopher Olwage, who was recently seen on New Zealand’s Got Talent, and burlesque artist Miss Leda Petit. Back again as GABA Auctioneer is Michelle Maitland from George Walkers Auctions. Will Barling GABA Deluxe's Vegas-style live entertainment features contemporary dancer, singer and burlesque performer Will Barling accompanied by showgirls Maria Munkowits and Amanda Macfarlane from La Belle Follies and Mary Jane O’Reilly’s In Flagrante burlesque productions. In addition to the charity auction and live entertainment, the black-tie-optional occasion will include champagne on arrival and a superb, three-course, silver service dinner. “The GABA Charity Auction is a fantastic opportunity for fun and fabulosity,” says GABA President Michael Richardson. “But most importantly, it gives participants the opportunity to contribute to the GABA Charitable Trust," he says. "Donations from this event enable the Trust to provide funds to individuals and institutions for the explicit purpose of health, welfare and support services for the benefit of the LGBT community of New Zealand." Charitable Trust Chair Gresham Bradley says it’s the biggest fundraising night of the year for the organisation. “Every year, individuals and businesses throughout New Zealand generously donate a huge variety of increasingly unique items and activities that simply can’t be purchased. Of course, the much needed money cannot be raised without all the wonderful people that come on the night, dress up and dig deep to bid!” Bradley has also announced the Trust will this year open up a third category of grants, in addition to the GABA Tertiary Scholarships and Community Grants. “These new Pride Festival Grants will support organisations and groups wishing to participate in the inaugural Auckland Pride Festival in February 2013.” Among the supporters of the event this year are the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust – and of course GayNZ.com. Event Information: Where: The Great Room, The Langham Hotel 83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland When: Sunday 14 October, 2012 Doors open at 4.30pm Dining and Auction commence at 6pm After-Party from 10pm at Switch Bar (upstairs, 309 Karangahape Road) Ticketing Information: GABA has minted a special Platinum Pass for this year’s Charity Auction