Now there's a headline I'm sure most Lucy fans didn't think they would see. Lucy volunteered to go to prison as part of a fundraising event for the New Zealand charity Shine on 19 March 2011. Shine – (Safer Homes in NZ Everyday) - is doing what works to stop domestic abuse in New Zealand. A very worthy charity indeed and one worthy of spending some time in prison to raise some money.
The Official Shine site has a great pic of Lucy (if you save the thumbnail image, you get the full size version rather than the thumbnail or click here to download it full size) – look at that face! LOL! Great mug shot. No photos were allowed inside the prison so this is the only photo which was taken as the "inmates" arrived at the prison.
The NZ Herald had an article about the charity event written by Tapu Misa on why this event took place. Click here to read the article
From the Official Shine Site:
In recognition of Shine’s contribution to the safety of New Zealand families, the Department of Corrections offered a unique opportunity for an evening inside the new portion of the Mt. Eden Prison facility. This event raised a massive $120,000 to support Shine’s award winning programme, safe@home, which provides free home security upgrades for high risk victims of domestic abuse – adults and dependent children who are at risk of serious injury or death.
Kerre Woodham MC'd this exclusive, invitation-only event. The guest list of dignitaries and corporate groups included Members of Parliament, Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Lucy Lawless, Rosie Horton (recently made a Dame for her charity work) and other prominent New Zealanders. Speakers included Dr. Pita Sharples and a former inmate who described what it was like being a prisoner.
The evening’s activities included an auction of a few very special donated items including:
- A Ralph Hotere signed bottle of wine
- Tim and Neil Finn signed Takamine guitar
- A Jon Tootill painting "Koekoea"
- A Queenstown golf package for 4
- A Fiona Whyte sculpture "The Light Within"
- A dinner party for 10 by chef and owner Geoff Scott at Vinnie's Restaurant in Herne Bay (which sold for more than any other auction item)
As the event was held inside of a prison, guests were treated to a night free from cellphones, cameras and stiletto heels. Hence the only photos taken at the event were of guests as they arrived.
Click here for the official site
Click here to support Shine on Facebook
-- Reporting by MaryD & Barbara Davies