Movies Under the Stars, the popular fundraising event organised by the Whakatāne District Youth Council, is to be held again on Saturday, 4 October 2014.

Last year the event raised $700 for the Dream Chaser Foundation and this year organisers hope to raise even more for local youth Mikaera Tamihere, who is being treated for leukaemia.

The films chosen for this year’s Movies Under the Stars will be Shrek, starting at 7 pm, and Hairspray, starting at 8:45 pm. The venue will once again be the Whakatāne riverbank amphitheatre, and security will be present to ensure the evening is safe for all ages and drug and alcohol free. Entry is by a gold coin donation. Food and drink vendors will be on site, and the public are advised to bring blankets or warm clothing.

Sophie Butler, Secretary of the Youth Council, says funding for the event has been provided by the Whakatāne District Council, and the Youth Council was also considering holding similar events in Ōhope and Murupara, though dates for these had not been decided. “This is a great evening for all the family,” Ms Butler says, “and it is in support of a great cause, so we really hope as many people as possible come along on the night.” The Youth Council was also considering holding similar events in Ohope and Murupara, though dates for these had not been decided.