‘Convict-Con’ is the theme of the seventh annual event, held by Rotary Perth and Mt Lawley to raise money for Diabetes WA and Cystic Fibrosis WA.
Rotary Club of Mt Lawley volunteer and Convicts for a Cause marketing manager Louise Youens said the comic convention Comic-Con inspired the theme of the night, where guests would be able to get autographs from notorious characters.
“It’s a way to fundraise with a glass of wine in your hand,” Ms Youens said.
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READ NOW“If you’re not up to a fun run or climbing a building, you can have a good time and a drink and you’re raising money at the same time.”
Ms Youens said she noticed more younger people had volunteered with Rotary.
“This is a network of established business people they want to tap into, and a lot of people take a protege approach and treat others as mentors they can learn from,” she said.
University of WA student Joseph Carlino (21) said he found volunteering both educating and inspiring.
The second-year marketing student from East Victoria Park got involved in the organisation in December last year to get experience in his field.
“A lot of volunteering I’ve done has been with uni students but this is something new, because a lot of the people at Rotary are older so you learn from them,” he said.
“When Louise told me the goal was to raise $120,000 it really motivated me because you know you can make a big difference.”
Mr Carlino said the novelty of seeing community leaders behind bars was what made the event special.
Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis was one of the high-profile figures ‘locked up’ at last year’s event.
Mr Carlino said he was considering a Moondyne Joe costume, while Ms Youens said she would dress as Lindsay Lohan.
People who want to be ‘imprisoned’ must raise $500 ahead of the event on November 7.