Charity auction for Cancer Society a great success

Michelle Hawkins from Taradale bids at the Property Brokers Relay for Life Charity Auction last night. Photo/Duncan Brown

The bang of the gavel and the raising of paddles was a common affair last night as the Property Brokers Relay for Life Charity Auction took place.

In support of the Hawke's Bay Cancer Society 330 people and about 60 donated items ranging from a cruise to a playhouse filled the Opera House plaza.

In its eighth year Property Brokers regional managing director Paul Whitaker was thrilled with the turn out and hoped to raise more than $25,000.

"We love to support the Cancer Society as they are a fantastic cause to get behind."

"What makes it even better is that all funds raised stay within Hawke's Bay and go to local patients and families."

He said eight years ago in their inaugural event he asked if anyone had been affected by cancer to stand up.

Back then just 30 people got up.

Four years later he asked the same question and the whole room stood up.

"We just need to remember what we are here for," he said.

Hawke's Bay Cancer Society manager Trudy Kirk was overwhelmed by the support from Property Brokers and the community last night.

The charity is not funded by the government so requires help from the community to largely fund its services.

"Everyone is so generous and I am so pleased with the amount of people here. We value our relationship with Property Brokers and the wider community and will not take it for granted."

Her favourite lot of the night was a children's playhouse which had been painted by local artist Abby McKenzie and donated by Cavalier Bremworth and the Cancer Society.

"The time that has been spent on it is amazing as Abby designed it so it appealed to young children. The ground has also been laid by Cavalier Bremworth carpet so it is very cool."

Also admiring the playhouse was Shirley Tobeck.

This was her first time at the charity auction and she was keen to put her paddle up and donate to the cancer society.

"I work in child care so that playhouse would be lovely for the kids, I am keeping a close eye on it."

She said the event itself was great and loved the setting and layout in the plaza.

The guest speaker breast care nurse Pat Hildred put into perspective what the Cancer Society does for patients and their families.

She said they couldn't live without the charity as they provided everything from information packs to free transport to counselling.

"One woman who had six children, four all under the age of five, was diagnosed with cancer and had to go and get treatment. The husband had to keep working for an income so the society provided subsidised childcare."

"Not one request to Trudy has ever been denied, they are amazing."

By the end of the evening organisers hoped to raise more than $25,000.

This would be added to the total raised from Relay for Life which was held earlier this month.

"What you can see here is just some massive good will out of Hawke's Bay. We are proud to support the society and will continue to do so."