Hawke's Bay winegrowers have confirmed their full support for Cranford Hospice as they prepare to stage their 19th Midlands Hawke's Bay Charity Wine Auction this weekend. Lyn Bevan, executive officer of the Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Association, said that over the past 19 years the region's wine community had raised over $2million from wines donated and auctioned at the prestigious event. "Hospices the world over are run with significant deficits and are heavily reliant on the donations and fund-raising of their local communities," Mr Bevan said. "Hawke's Bay is no different in this respect, regardless of the process currently being undertaken with Cranford Hospice. We have assured all our winery members that we are committed to supporting the needs and services of palliative care in our local community and we will continue to raise funds for Cranford Hospice." The association is confident next year's 20th wine auction will be particularly special. "We want the event to be a celebration of our community and the care provided for families needing palliative care services. "The re-opening of what we see as the heart of Cranford Hospice before this anniversary event will no doubt herald a new beginning for the hospice, and the special and unique services they provide Hawke's Bay." Mr Bevan said a meeting had been staged recently between Hawke's Bay winegrowers, principle event sponsor Midlands Mortgage and representatives of Cranford Hospice who made clear assurances that all donated funds were exclusively used by the hospice for palliative care. Funds from the auction are paid directly into the Hawke's Bay Winemakers Charitable Trust before being passed on to Cranford. Mr Bevan said John Loughlin of Askerne Vineyard and John Buck of Te Mata Estate were the fund's trustees and were committed to the auction event and continued support of palliative care services. This year's auction and dinner, being staged on Saturday night at the Tom McDonald Cellar, Church Road Winery, will feature about 40 specially produced wine lots, as well as a unique artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Piera McArthur, titled Wine Tasters. More than 200 tickets had so far been sold but there were tickets still available. They are available through calling 0800 442 9463 or emailing info@ hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz
