Despite lower-than-expected numbers, GLBT youth charity Rainbow Youth say its benefit concert held last week in Auckland was still a success in both raising funds and awareness. Spokesperson Linda Farr estimates about $7,000 was raised from the event, which was staged by over forty volunteers at the Maidment Theatre. The 400-seat venue was only filled to half-capacity, she says, but those who did turn up for the four-hour variety extravaganza certainly got their money's worth. "It went like a dream, the standard of performances was very high. I haven't been put off. I'm definitely going to be doing it again next year." The spirit of the evening rubbed off on participants and the public alike, with one concert-goer who attended via complementary ticket paying for it afterwards because he enjoyed the evening so much. "We also launched our Friends of Rainbow Youth donation programme on that night, and we had people sign up for that," says Farr. "It's slow going, but you've got to chip away at it." The evening's line up included appearances from Graham Brazier and Dave McArtney of Hello Sailor, members of Ardijah, Taane Mete of Black Grace, Jackie Clarke and ex-True Bliss singer Keri Harper, Lindah E and Charlotte Yates, and MCs Jan-Maree and Steven Gray. Introducing the evening was Fair Go host Kevin Milne, speaking about his experiences as the parent of a gay son, who was also in attendance. "I heard him speaking about it last year on Kim Hill, so I approached him after that," Farr says. "He was great, blown away by the whole evening. It was a good positive night, and everyone went away having had a wonderful experience."