MEDIA RELEASE Monday 26 October 09
A SPARKLING NIGHT TURNS INTO A WINNING, DIAMOND STUDDED AFFAIR FOR CAIRNS COST MANAGER, JULIE BYRNE
Pictured at left: Julie Byrne, cost manager from Turner and Townsend, shows off her winning diamond as she is toasted congratulations by the team from Hardy Brothers Jewellers from left – Ken, Sue and Glen.
Julie burst into tears of joy on Thursday when she was advised she had the lucky cubic zirconia – that indeed was a genuine 0.62 carat diamond. Julie was the 92nd person to have their stone tested and was joined by six colleagues – who all attended the awards. This is the second win for the team with Kim Hayes of Turner and Townsend taking home the Manager in Business award.
After a glittering gala awards evening at Hilton Cairns last Saturday, guests had been steadily making tracks all week to Hardy Brothers Jewellers on the corner of Spence and Abbott Streets, to have their cubic zirconia gift tested for the major prize up for grabs; a 0.62 carat diamond valued at $7,000. The cubic zirconias were presented to each guest by three glamorous models from Lulu’s dressed to impress in a Sacha Drake Ultimate Black Dress from Tea Lily, diamonds from Hardy Brothers and an award-winning hair-do by Craig Roberts of Pulse.
This presentation signified Hardy Brothers Jewellers Platinum sponsorhip of the awards evening and took place after the official announcement of Cairns Business Woman of the Year and was signified by a very special rendition of ‘Diamonds are Forever’ by jazz singer sensation, Sweet K.
Background Information:
To mark the 25th anniversary of its annual awards, Cairns Business Women’s Club will offer up a prize cache just shy of $50,000 to finalists at the Black Tie Gala Ball on Saturday 17 October at Hilton Cairns. In addition, one lucky attendee will win a glittering $7000 diamond from Hardy Brothers Jewellers.
While Cairns Business Woman of the Year Awards are structured so that there are only five official winners, Cairns Business Women’s Club Vice President and Awards Chair, Michelle Commins said said everyone attending this year’s gala event will be a winner; a recipient of a diamond no less with one extremely lucky guest taking home a 0.62 carat stunner valued at $7000.
According to Hardy Brothers Jewellers Cairns Store Manager, Glen Thompson, this year’s awards are significant for his company, celebrating their second official partnership with Cairns Business Women’s Club as a top level, Platinum Sponsor.
“In the past few years Hardy Brothers Jewellers; has stepped up its involvement in community events and endeavours. We view our participation in this year’s Cairns Business Woman of the Year Awards as the perfect partnership – the icing on the cake!
“While Hardy Brothers Jewellers has been a purveyor of the finest jewellery since 1853, its level of commitment and high standards is attainable and can be enjoyed by all. While we may be known for our superior diamonds and craftsmanship of the iconic Melbourne Cup trophy, it is our service, diverse design and indeed, affordability that we are keen to communicate to people in Cairns.
“Cairns Business Women’s Club provides great opportunities and many synergies to get our message across to what we deem as a receptive audience,” said Mr Thompson.
While the exact details of how the 0.62 carat, $7000 diamond will be won will be delivered by CBWC President Andrea Jackson after the awards announcement during the gala ball on Saturday 17 October, one thing is certain, every guest will receive a magnificent cubic zirconium –- all thanks to Hardy Brothers Jewellers.
According to Ms Commins, there is nearly $50,000 worth of prizes in all which has been derived from approximately $120,000 in sponsorship contributions.
“In addition to the winner’s prizes, our sponsors have been extremely generous and every attendee will receive an amazing gift bag worth hundreds of dollars! The night will be full of surprises, with some spectacular entertainment organised that will no doubt thrill and amaze those attending.
“Added to the $7000 diamond from Hardy Brothers Jewellers, of equal note is a $10,000 cash donation from Status Plus.
“We have been overwhelmed with the support for this year’s awards that recognise the talents and achievements of women in private enterprise and public service – committed to all aspects of business. These awards have become a symbol of success throughout our community and the number of women nominated has increased substantially over the years. I cannot think of a better way to showcase our women, than a giant celebration that is destined to take place on Saturday 17 October. I would like to thank all our nominees, finalists, judges, members and of course, sponsors. A great night will no doubt be had by all,” said Michelle.
Ends
For further information:
Glen Thompson, Store Manager, Hardy Brothers Jewellers T: 4031 6 838
Michelle Commins, CBWC Vice President and Awards Chair T: 0412 506 086
Issued by:
Pip Miller PR T: 0419 681543 E: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au