Fancy a holiday in Ayers Rock

It's Supper Club time again and this year it's bigger, better and a touch more mystical.

The annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat at Ngongotaha is on Wednesday, May 22, with a record 29 local restaurants taking part.

Organiser Linley Parry said, as always, the night would begin with a charity auction at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.

The big item up for bids will be a trip for two to the "mesmerising" Uluru (Ayers Rock), she said.

"It's an absolutely amazing travel prize," she said. "We are delighted to have the support of Harvey World Travel. Deborah Kay and her wonderful team have brought something awesome and exciting to the table and I can't wait to see the reaction." Mrs Kay said the trip, worth more than $8000, included flights from Rotorua to Ayers Rock via Sydney, two nights in Sydney and five nights in Ayers Rock staying at the five star Pullman Sails in the Desert resort. It includes the Sounds of Silence experience - dinner under the stars while watching the sun set over Uluru.

She said the company had chosen Ayers Rock for the auction as it was a bit different.

"It's a bit wow, a bit special," she said. "Everybody who goes there says what an amazing part of the world it is."

Last year, the event - which features a draw to see where each table will dine - raised $54,000 for the retreat, which is offered free to families whose children suffer from cancer.

Tickets are $100 per person, including cocktails and canapes and a three-course dinner at a random restaurant or lodge. Contact Mrs Parry on (027) 5517 096 or linleyparry@xtra.co.nz but be quick - there are just three eight-person tables left.