Some fundraisers just ask you to give – Rafiki Royale asks you to come and have the best night of your year, and the giving takes care of itself.
On Saturday, 20 June, the Lennox Head Cultural Centre will transform into a Las Vegas-inspired playground in support of Rafiki Mwema, a Lennox-founded-and-run charity supporting Kenyan children – the name means ‘loyal friend’ in Swahili, and their work lives up to it.
Rafiki Mwema provides long-term, trauma-informed care for children who have survived abuse. Therapy, safe housing, and people who show up consistently and refuse to give up. In a context where resources are scarce and the need is enormous, that kind of sustained support is genuinely life-changing.
Last year, the inaugural Rafiki Royale brought more than 250 locals together and raised over $50,000 for the cause. One big, glamorous Saturday night in the Northern Rivers rippled all the way across the world.
This year, the world looks different. The cost of living is on the rise and it’s not only the kids at Rafiki who are doing it tough – plenty of people here at home are struggling too. So they want to make sure your hard-earned ticket money is getting you a night where you can forget about the troubles of the outside world.
The event opens with a red carpet, and bubbles on arrival, before guests move into Vegas-style casino tables with prizes, a fun photo booth, Sideshow Alley games and a silent auction. Sam’s Burgers keep everyone fed with delicious food. Elvis is in the building, naturally!
For poker players, the Premier Poker Tournament run by Andy Pilkington and the Australian Poker League offers a $100 buy-in and the chance to win a seat at the APL Million 2026 in August, a prize valued at $1,500, with $1,000,000 on the table.
New this year is a limited VIP High Roller ticket with personal food and drink service throughout the night.
Ambassador Annaliese Todd from Mamamia hosts the evening with her signature warm and funny approach that has graced many Rafiki events in the past.
Rafiki Royale will run from 6pm at Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Early Bird tickets are $129, use locals code LOCAL for $10 off! Find out more and pick up a ticket at rafikimwema.com.
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