Two leading children’s charities will benefit from a black tie dinner and auction being held later this month at John Andrew Ford and Mazda in Grey Lynn, Auckland.
It’s the eighth annual event run by Automotive Holdings Group NZ and its Auckland dealerships and has raised almost a million dollars for Camp Quality to date.
For the first time, this year’s event will also benefit the Cure Kids organisation.
“We are honoured and privileged to be part of this amazing event and are extremely proud of the partnership we’ve developed that has allowed Cure Kids to have a measurable impact in improving health outcomes for children,” said Cure Kids’s CEO, Frances Benge.
Wayne Collie, Chairman of Camp Quality New Zealand has been involved with the event since its inception in 2010.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen, once again, as a recipient charity for the AHG black tie charity dinner and auction,” said Collie.
“It costs $3,000 per year to send a child to camp, and the continued generosity of AHG and its dealerships ensure we can provide a safe and magical experience for children living with cancer in Auckland, as well as give their families a break.”
The glitzy evening commences in John Andrew Ford’s showroom, and is followed by a formal three-course dinner and a live and silent auction only a short stroll away in the Mazda showroom.
An enticing and fun auction catalogue awaits guests of this year’s event, with 25 items already confirmed for the live auction.
Auction items available include Australian sports packages to the 2017 NRL Grand Final and 2018 Australian Open men’s and women’s single finals, a Michael Hill diamond bangle worth $5,999, a drifting experience with “Mad Mike” Whiddett, signed Joseph Parker boxing gloves, signed NZ rugby merchandise and much more.
AHG NZ has also run an online auction for an upgraded Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50. A KTM 390 Duke is also being sold, generously donated by KTM. The auctions will conclude on Thursday 20th July live at the AHG charity black tie dinner and auction in front of 300 guests.
Summing up this year’s event, Paul Brown, Dealer Principal of John Andrew Ford and host of the event for seven of its eight years commented; “It’s a privilege to co-host this annual event, bringing together our customers, staff and business partners in support of two exceptional children’s charities.
The generosity demonstrated by supporters of this event is truly exceptional and continues to represent one of the highlights of my career with Ford and AHG to date.”
Julian Stone, John Andrew Mazda Dealer Principal added; “Each year we look forward to this event and continuing our commitment to contribute to the future of children in our community and across New Zealand.
“The addition of Cure Kids to this year’s event is particularly pleasing as it is a charity close to our organisation’s heart.
“Bring on Thursday 20th July.”