Putting fun into fundraising

Helen Blaxland, Mark Lane, Shirley Collins and Jade Waitere-Ang at a Sparkle sponsors function at Black Barn. Photo / Duncan Brown

Sponsors, volunteers and supporters of Sparkle Hawke's Bay gathered at Black Barn last night to say thank you to all who were involved in the fundraiser for Cranford Hospice last April.

The fundraiser was an exclusive black-tie event, held at Mana Lodge.

Shirley Collins, fundraising, communication and marketing manager for Sparkle, said the inaugural event was "absolutely amazing and put the fun back in fundraising".

She was confident her team had raised more than $70,000 for the Cranford Hospice.

The Sparkle event was attended by guests, including Alison Mau as MC, with entertainment from John Fletcher and the Big Jazz Band.

Dozens of local businesses, restaurants and wineries had supported the event.

Ms Collins said organisers had already taken a load of bookings for next year's event.

A service of Presbyterian Support East Coast, Cranford Hospice requires more than $2 million each year to provide its services to the people of Hawke's Bay.

Cranford Hospice's general manager, Helen Blaxland, said she was humbled by the generosity of the Hawke's Bay community.