"We would love to be able to support every one of them and this year the trustees decided to increase the charities chosen from two to six.
"We think the issues they deal with represent the community's concerns, from youth at risk, the elderly, animals and lifesaving organisations. All six merit financial support for the great work they do in this community."
Mr Blackwell said the trustees were overwhelmed with the support from the public who had donated items, including a 2012 VW Polo car worth in excess of $30,000 from Farmers Auto Village, Mount Maunganui; two framed All Blacks shirts - one signed by the 2011 winning World Cup team and the other by the 1987 winning squad; an electric guitar signed by American band The Doobie Brothers and an acoustic guitar signed by the members of Australia's Little River Band were also going under the hammer.
Former All Black Sir Colin Meads, 1974 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dick Tayler, 2012 Olympian Alison Shanks and Emirates Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton, plus business leader Sir Michael Fay.
Who benefits?
New Zeal Foundation:
New Zeal Foundatoin is a not-for-profit group established in 2003 to deliver self-development programmes for young people categorised as "at risk" but who display leadership potential.
Director Nari Hann said the Foundation delivers two specially tailored core programmes - the first called "Developing Potential" is targeted at 14-16 year olds, and the second is a four-week intensive programme to help 18 and 19-year-olds on the unemployment benefit get into full-time work.
More than 60 clients a year attend the "Developing Potential" programme and more than 100 a year attend the job-focused programme.
Ms Hann said she and the other Foundation staff were extremely excited to be given the chance to receive extra "untagged" monies, which would be used to assist even more clients.
Alzheimers Tauranga:
Alzheimers Tauranga is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making everyday life better for people affected by dementia.
It provides information, education, support and advice for dementia sufferers, their carers and families, and also helps link volunteers with caregivers who desperately need some time out.
UP FOR GRABS:
1. A 2012 VW Polo car - generously donated by Farmer Auto Village, Mt Maunganui..
2. Three-day excursion to Great Mercury Island courtesy of Sir Michael and Lady Fay. Package includes transfers by charter boat to/from Whitianga to the Island, two nights accommodation in a holiday lodge with food and refreshments provided for a group of up to six people. Sir Michael and Lady Fay will host a barbecue at their home on one of the evenings.
3. Two guitars - one signed by the members of the Doobie Brothers and the other by members of the Little River Band.
4. Queenstown Package - three-day wilderness experience including helicopter in/out and rafting.
Includes flights and accommodation.
5. Short break cruise for two on board P&O's Pacific Pearl departs Auckland May 18, 2013, arrives back to Auckland May 21, 2013 - outside cabin, includes all meals and entertainment.
6. 10 per cent share in a race horse winnings courtesy of Waikato Stud.
