Child Cancer breakfast and auction worth getting up for

Before some of us have hit the snooze button tomorrow, an auction to benefit kids with cancer and their families will be under way.

The annual Child Cancer Charity Breakfast and Art Auction, hosted by Professionals McDowell Real Estate will see breakfast served at 6.30am at the Distinction Hotel and bidding begin at 7am.

To be auctioned are stunning pieces of artwork completed by child cancer patients and their siblings, local artist The Bushmans Son, Terry Fergusson, has donated a painting of Sir Edmund Hilary and a 2018 Mazda2 GSX Hatch donated by Mazda New Zealand and Rotorua Ford and Mazda.

Over the years the breakfast and auction has raised about $655,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation and Professionals McDowell Real Estate co-owner Steve Lovegrove hopes this year's effort will tip the figure over the $700,000 mark.

"On the day we want people to dig deep, enjoy the amazing breakfast, have some fun, share a few laughs and really just do what the Rotorua community does well and that is support people in need," Lovegrove said.

Child Cancer Foundation northern business development manager Kate Dalders said every week at least three Kiwi kids were diagnosed with cancer.

"And that diagnosis will impact the whole family; brothers and sisters, mum, dad, and whanau," Dalders said.

Child Cancer Foundation is supporting over 1700 families across New Zealand, giving each family personalised support – helping them every step of the way.

"Child Cancer Foundation receives no direct government funding so relies completely on the generosity of our fellow New Zealanders. Fundraising events like Professionals McDowell Real Estate Breakfast Auction are so important, and help raise the essential funds we need to provide vital support to Kiwi families impacted by child cancer."

She said last year's breakfast fundraiser raised $40,000.