When you look out across a glistening Lake Rotorua from the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat, all your troubles seem to melt away, even if just for a moment.
Offering families that moment of peace in difficult times is what drives the volunteers behind the annual Supper Club fundraiser, they told the Rotorua Daily Post.
The two retreat homes are offered to families of very sick children, or those whose children have died due to illness, for a week of free holiday accommodation.
Each year, the Supper Club event raises money for the upkeep of the homes, which are located at Ngongotahā, on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
This year’s Supper Club on March 11 is shaping up to be another community bonanza.
Those who have bought tables will start the night by gathering at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside for drinks, nibbles and a live auction, hosted by MC Paul Hickey from The Hits Rotorua.
Once the auction is over, each table’s eight guests find out where in the city they will be having dinner.
Punters heading along to the live auction are being given the heads-up now to start thinking about bidding on the bumper prize – a cruise for two valued at $25,000.
Details of the prize, donated by long-time supporter helloworld Travel Rotorua and Oceania Cruises, will be revealed one week before Supper Club.
Deborah Kay, who owns helloworld Travel Rotorua, said Oceania’s intimate and luxurious ships feature fine cuisine and destination-rich itineraries with a “country club” atmosphere.
Kay encouraged everyone to start imagining themselves on board.
The package includes 10 to 12 nights on the five-star ship, all meals, port taxes, fees and tipping, and $5000 towards airfares booked via the travel agency.
Those who missed out on a coveted Supper Club table can still support the cause, with some of the huge array of donated prizes to be raffled off, rather than auctioned.
There are 1000 raffle tickets to be sold in advance of the event. They are priced at $25 each, $100 for four or $250 for a book of 10 with 12 chances to win.
Prizes, each valued at hundreds of dollars, have been put together in packages that offer something for everyone.
The raffle will be drawn under police supervision the day after Supper Club, on March 12, and winners will be advised on March 13.
Reuel Christiansen, who owns the McDonald’s in Fairy Springs and Te Ngae, said there would also be a live auction on Supper Club night, with more than a dozen major prizes.
Among items being auctioned is a dinner experience with Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell and Rotorua Lakes Council chief executive Andrew Moraes, starting with drinks and canapes in the mayor’s office, followed by dinner in the council atrium, catered by My Home Kitchen.
Another prize is the opportunity for “first pick” of where they go to dinner that night.
McDonald’s Fenton St owner Mel Nuttall said Te Puia had made a grand donation to the auction prizes, offering a $5000 package.
Nuttall said it was an ideal prize for corporates or local companies wanting to host clients or staff events during the year.
Other prizes included a photo shoot and a table for eight at the Rotorua races, a wine fridge with 60 bottles of wine, and an interior design package from local specialists Steiners.
Auction items that will appeal to sports fans included a football package with an All Whites jersey and Black Lounge passes at the Auckland Football Club.
Rugby fans can get their hands on a signed Rotorua Boys’ High School First XV jersey from last year’s team, who won the New Zealand Secondary Schools championship.
Five of the players are also donating their time at Supper Club this year as helpers.
Christiansen said Rotorua Airport was hosting four tables, with some fun activities planned along the way.
He said all venues were trying to create a party atmosphere by having more than one table or by creating a “special” vibe for the Supper Club guests.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.