Auckland, 6 July – A fresh approach to a charity staple has seen the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Auckland Trust break all previous fundraising records for its annual Supper Club charity event held last night.

The Trust, which provides accommodation for families from all over New Zealand, whose children must be in Auckland for treatment at Starship Children’s Hospital, raised over $70,000, doubling the amount raised the previous year.

In an uncertain economic climate, the Trust is understandably pleased with the outcome. “We are blown away by the support and generosity of those who participated,” said Wayne Howett, RMH Auckland Trust CEO.

“We knew we were going to have an impressive result when all the tables sold out a week before the occasion.”

Mr Howett attributes the success of the fundraising drive to a smart concept that delivered positive benefits to all its stakeholders. “By incorporating Auckland’s top restaurants, we were able to provide something different from previous years. The guests were treated to a unique evening that included a wonderful dining experience, and the restaurants were able to showcase their expertise mid-week.”

Maintaining strong relationships with key funding partners, corporate supporters and Business Club members is another element to the charitable Trust’s success.

“Once the restaurants and our supporters were on-board with the idea, there was no stopping them. We are immensely grateful for all their contributions,” said Mr Howett.

Over 400 people attended the event that involved 39 of Auckland’s top restaurants. In addition to the dining experience the Trust also ran a live auction and is still running a public auction online.

“We encourage people to participate in the online auction via our website, and bid for some of the amazing items our family of suppliers and corporate partners have kindly donated,” said Mr Howett. Some of the items include a funky hanging egg chair, a corporate box at the ASB tennis and a signed Auckland Blues jersey.

All proceeds from the dinner ticket sales, live and online auctions go towards the development of phase two of the Grafton Mews family accommodation facility. Prime Minster John Key officially opened the first phase of the Grafton Mews building in May 2011.

ENDS

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