First night hospice fund raiser

ORDER of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, Ballarat Founding Group is joining in a community partnership with BLOC Music Theatre Company’s opening night performance of Beauty and the Beast.

The Order will be raising funds for Ballarat Hospice Care Inc, a not-for-profit organisation providing specialist palliative care to the Ballarat community.

Dame Val Sarah, member of the Order of St John said they felt a connection with Ballarat Hospice Care.

“We are an ecumenical Christian order descended from the Knights Hospitaller who founded a hospice in Jerusalem,” she said. “During the 11th Century crusaders from Britain and Europe flocked to the Holy Land to protect it from the Infidel.

“Crusaders who survived the arduous journey in need of medical attention were cared for by Knights in a hospice built over the tomb of John the Baptist in Jerusalem, hence our name.”

Modern day Knights and Dames of the Order assist with social causes offering practical and financial support to the community.

Five dollars from the sale of every ticket will go to Ballarat Hospice Care to assist with the construction of a palliative care hub in Lucas.

The opening night of Beauty and the Beast, with a pre-performance party, is at Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, 1220 Howitt Street Wendouree on Saturday, 29 June at 6.30pm to 7pm for party and 7.30pm for performance.

Beauty and the Beast’s season continues with nightly performances at 7.30pm until Sunday, 7 July with matinee shows on Saturday, 29 and Sunday 30, June and Saturday, 6 July and Sunday, 7 July at 1.30pm.

Tickets are available online at wpca.com.au.