Recently an overwhelming figure was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities at the Supper Club event in Rotorua.
The well known Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand Supper Club for the Rotorua region took place at the beginning of March, with a record 304 tickets being sold to attend the event.
The evening opened with a speech from RMHC® CEO, Wayne Howett at the Lakeside Novotel; a great setting for the silent and live auctions called by James Alexander from Ray White Rotorua.
Thirty-eight local restaurants and venues donated their time, resources and energy; giving back to their favourite charity, which is one of the ‘ideals’ the Supper Club was founded upon.
With an electric atmosphere, bidding was aplenty, and an auction highlight was a rare ceremonial Maori artifact selling for $10,000.
It was going to be an audacious goal to meet or even beat last year’s record fundraising result of $76,000 and when event organiser, Linley Parry, stepped up to the podium after being handed the total raised during the evening, the pause for her to catch her breath laid the dramatic scene needed for the amazing generosity from the supporters present. A whopping $98,515 was raised for the night, with those attending volunteering to round it up to $100,000.
Linley said that they had hoped to raise at least $50,000; but the final tally was amazing. “I’m blown away again by the support in the room. We are spoilt that we have so many supportive people in the community. It’s a really fun night with a great twist at the end.”
Rotorua woman Viv Sutton, who has attended the event every year, except last year, said she attended “because Ronald McDonald House Charities is an amazing cause, and such an important respite for Kiwi families.”
Watch a short video of the Auction here.
To view photos, watch the video and read the article from the Rotorua Daily Post, click here.
Waikato community comes together to support local families
In late March the local Waikato community came together for the inaugural Waikato Supper Club.
This unique dining experience saw over 200 guests attended a cocktail party followed by a meal donated by some of the Waikato’s most generous restaurants. The fundraising event saw guests purchase a table of ten, and on the night it’s a lucky draw to find out which restaurant they will be heading to.
These restaurants certainly made sure the guests had an amazing dining experience and included Victoria Street Bistro, La Parrilla, Ember and chef Vanessa Baxter cooking at the Ebbett Audi Showroom.
Julie Hanna from Ray White Raglan called the auction which raised over $56,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand. Julie said, ‘I thoroughly enjoyed being the auctioneer. It was such a fun night with so many amazing people in attendance. I have to say my highlight was auctioning Wayne Howlett’s tie which he was wearing on the night – a great start to the auction”.
Every year 300 Waikato families stay at Ronald McDonald House whilst their child receives specialist medical treatment. More than just a place to sleep, RMHC® offers a wide range of support programmes to ensure that families are better placed to cope and help their children heal.
RMHC® CEO Wayne Howett said “This was a fantastic event; it was amazing to see so many people from the community come along to support local families. As a national charity with local significance it’s really import for us to have the backing of these communities – it is their support that ensures that we can continue to take care of families from every region around New Zealand.”
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® New Zealand
Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand creates and supports programmes which strengthen Kiwi families throughout their children’s medical journeys, ensuring they are better placed to cope and help their children heal. They address the emotional, financial and practical burdens families with hospitalised children can face through the provision of free accommodation and support programmes. Ultimately, they ensure families can remain together and strong.