It was like a who's who of the sporting giants at the 16th annual Tauranga Police CIB charity auction yesterday afternoon.
The auction raised more than $100,000, with proceeds being divided between Te Aranui Youth Trust and the Tauranga Community Housing Trust.
More than $108,000 was raised in the live auction with
proceeds from the silent auction still to be added to added to the final total.
Guest speaker ex-Wallaby and rugby commentator Chris "Buddha" Handy had the guests roaring with laughter with stories from his "touring days".
MCs Dick Tayler and Jamie MacKay entertained the crowd and auctioneer Frank Vosper kept the bidding fast and furious.
Last year's auction raised $175,000. This year, event organisers had been hoping for more, with the proceeds going to Tauranga Community Housing Trust and the Te Aranui Youth Trust.
Two young women spoke of the merits of each trust.
Their inspirational words touched the hearts of the 800-strong audience with some shedding tears.
About 80 items were sold. There was strong bidding for a signed and framed Australian rugby jersey by Nick Farr-Jones, but when it was announced the item also included a trip for 20 guests on board a boat in Tauranga Harbour alongside the rugby legend, interest soared. The item sold for a whopping $15,000.
Event organiser Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell said the event was a major success.
Since the charity auction began in 1992, the event has collectively raised more than $1 million for charity.
