The Australia and New Zealand Association will be running its annual gala ball on May 3, with the theme of “A Night at the Opera House,” featuring a performance from last year’s “X-Factor Australia” winner, Dami Im.

“We are thrilled to have secured Dami Im for the 2014 ANZA Korea Ball. She has captured the hearts of Australian audiences and there is no doubt she will do the same for our ball guests. She is truly amazing,” said Jana Kovar, president of ANZA Korea.

Of South Korean descent, Im Dami moved to Australia when she was 9 years old. Since winning “X-Factor,” Im has topped the singles and album charts in Australia, and her album “Dami Im” also made the Top 10 in Korea. 

“I’m so proud to be where I am right now, and I just want to keep getting better as my career progresses,” Im was quoted by ANZA as saying.

“I’m excited to partner with ANZA Korea for this event as I hope to have an emotional connection with my audiences through some softer, more genuine and gentler moments. I am also delighted to help support their charitable endeavors. This really does inspire me, and I hope to inspire others too.”

Kovar was keen to highlight the theme of the event.

“Our theme, ‘A Night at the Opera House,’ has given us great scope to create a fantastic event. Often people think the Opera House is synonymous with operatic performances, when in fact, the Sydney Opera House hosts an array of entertainment from pop stars and rock bands, through to classical orchestras and operas. This is what we have tried to emulate at the 2014 ANZA Korea Ball,” she said.

ANZA gala balls have raised over 160 million won ($150,000) for local charities since 2011, through sponsorship, ticket sales and other donations.

The money raised at last year’s event helped pay for remodeling at the Mubupjungsa children’s center and orphanage near Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, which is home to 31 orphans, from 6-year-olds to college students.

The event will also feature performances from local acts, as well as a raffle and auction, with more than 40 million won worth of items available.

The Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul. To book tickets, visit www.anzakorea.com.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)