Betham drags in Telethon dollars

MICHAEL BRADLEY/Fairfax Media

BOOTYLICIOUS: Monty Betham models in womens clothes at Telethon in Auckland.

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TV3's Big Night In raised $1.94 million for charity - significantly less than previously Telethons.

Monty Betham who stunned sports fans when he quit league for boxing, last night turned heads again when he cross-dressed, taking to the catwalk in a pink wig for TV3's 23-hour live fundraiser.

The former Warriors' enforcer got in touch with his feminine side as he strutted his stuff against TV3's Next Top Model stars wearing an off-the-shoulder, thigh-hugging yellow dress and knickers.

The Big Night In is New Zealand's first televised national fundraiser since the 1993 Telethon with funds raised going to KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust.

The charity helps provide Kiwi kids affected by poverty with food, clothing and shelter and has 153 schools on its waiting list.

Executive director Julie Helson said the trust was overwhelmed by the generosity people had shown.

While TV3's show pulled in around $2m - the network said donations were still being received and a final figure was not yet available - the largest amount raised was more than $6m in 1985.

Tough economic times meant the money raised dropped to $5m in 1988 and $4m in 1990, while hosting costs soared.

The event is believed to cost more than $1 million to produce, but nearly 90 per cent is understood to be covered by sponsors and supporters.

"Fifteen years ago I remember the Telethon was always a really big night. It's amazing what the cause does for less fortunate kids, giving clothes, shoes and helping feed the kids," Betham said.

Another star taking a walk down memory lane was ex-Shortland Street actor Martin Henderson who jetted into Auckland from his base in Los Angeles. Henderson last appeared on the charity event in 1988 and read out a list of donors.

The 34-year-old, who earned millions playing the lead role in motorcycle movie Torque and kissed Britany Spears in her Toxic music video, told Sunday News he did not have to think twice about coming home to support the event.

"I grew up in a family who were well off enough, we weren't rich at all but I was able to do the things I loved," Henderson said.

"I had the opportunity to go to a good school and certainly had shoes on my feet, so the notion that there are children today in a developed nation that are going without food, shelter or clothing is disturbing to me.

"So if we can give back in any tiny way to try and bridge the gap that is widening in this country ... I think it's a great cause."

Henderson was one of a galaxy of international stars at the event which included Underbelly's Anna Hutchinson, Neighbours star Alan Dale, Karl Urban, Bernard Curry, Ada Nicodemou, Pete Helliar, Con the Fruiterer along with Kiwi celebs Shane Cortese, Scribe, Colin Mathura-Jeffree, some of the cast from New Zealand's Next Top Model, All Blacks Conrad Smith, Ali Williams and Richie McCaw and motor racing legend Greg Murphy who was also put to the test in a running race against a greyhound.

Historically the song: Thank You Very Much For Your Kind Donation signalled the beginning of the fundraiser. This time Kiwi songbird Gin Wigmore kicked it off with her tune Oh My.

"It's a great cause. I really believe in helping out kids, plus it gives me an excuse to come back to New Zealand," said Sydney-based Wigmore.

TV3 news boss Mark Jennings said it wasn't difficult assembling a cast of TV3 presenters to host the mammoth 23-hour-long event.

"Mike (McRoberts) is a big supporter so is Carly (Flynn) and the others were keen to go down (to the other centres)."

Broadcast venues included the Alinghi America's Cup Base in Auckland, the St James Theatre in Wellington and the Whitebait TV Studios in Christchurch.

Auckland spectator Arthur Brown, who attended the event with 12-year-old daughter Louisa, said he just had to get involved.

"We saw it on TV at home when we decided to come in and give some financial support, throw a few coins in the bucket."

The largest amount raised was more than $6m in 1985.

Tough economic times meant the money raised dropped to $5m in 1988 and $4m in 1990, while hosting costs soared.

- © Fairfax NZ News