A tug boat ride and a BMW car were just some of the items sold in the Property Brokers Charity Auction, which raised more than $88,000 for the Hawke's Bay Cancer Society on Thursday night.
Manager of Property Brokers Guy Mordaunt said the charity auction, held at Peak Vision Church in Havelock North, was in its 11th year and was a glamorous success.
"One of my most fun things auctioned off was the tug boat ride - where you actually get to bring in a ship - which is a real 'money can't buy' type of thing, and I think we got about $1800 for that.
"It's the sort of thing you take your kids out and do and it's something that they'll talk about for the rest of their lives. We also auctioned off a 2001 BMW car."
"All the items are donated from awesome local businesses who just give and give, year after year," he said.
Other items included raffle tickets, original paintings, cases of wine, Hawke's Bay tourist experiences and a penthouse stay on the Gold Coast.
Hawke's Bay executive committee president of the Hawke's Bay Cancer Society Melissa Horsefield said she was 'blown away' with the generosity from the Hawke's Bay community.
"Just over $88k was raised from Thursday's charity auction but we're still counting so I think a little bit more will come from that. Last year about $67k was raised," Horsefield said.
"It was just incredibly heart-warming to know how supportive the community is and the huge job that Property Brokers puts into organising the event. We're also absolutely delighted because this money goes to such a great cause to help us do what we do."
Horsefield said it was particularly special following the cancellation of the Relay for Life events which have been held annually in Hawke's Bay for years.
"There are individuals who are doing their own Relay for Life such as the ANZ Bank and Taradale High School so it's great that people are still stepping up to help us."
"Given some of the events that we've had in this country recently is that the Cancer Society is here for anyone and everyone. It doesn't matter what age, what religion and what gender - our doors are open and we're always here to support one another."