Rolling Stones-signed guitar up for grabs (+ video)

A Rolling Stones-signed guitar, tickets to see 'The Boss' and a jersey signed by the All Blacks are just some of the items up for grabs at a Rotorua fundraiser next week.

The Charity Night & Auction next Friday will be the first major fundraiser for the newly established Rotorua Police Welfare Fund.

One of the auction items expected to go for a sweet stash of cash is a guitar signed by the Rolling Stones, which is in a special case along with several photographs of the legendary rock band.

Fund committee member Sergeant Phil Wilkinson said the guitar was thanks to a police employee with connections in the right places.

"One of our New Zealand police employees used to deal with some of the world's highest profile celebrities on a daily basis through the business she and her husband ran for several years.

"With offices in 63 cities around the world, they were able to source just about anything, anywhere around the world.

"Through these personal and business contacts, this staff member . . . knew exactly where to find these pieces and negotiate them from private collectors."

As well as the signed guitar she had managed to snag two tickets to Bruce Springsteen's upcoming concert along with a signed framed record and photos of the singer.

Among the sporting memorabilia up for grabs is a signed All Blacks jersey.

The event will benefit Rotorua police Detective Steve Allpress, who is undergoing treatment for terminal brain cancer.

Fund committee member Sergeant Phil Wilkinson said they had talked about setting up the fund before Mr Allpress became sick but it was kicked into gear after an incident at Onepu in March when four police officers, three from Rotorua, were shot and injured in the line of duty.

Mr Wilkinson said the fund would be used to help sworn and non-sworn staff and their family members who suffered trauma, illness or injury.

All Black great Michael Jones is the guest speaker and Police Ten 7's Rob Lemoto is the MC.

There will be live music from Bayley Howard followed by Kelly Makiha.

Mr Wilkinson said 80 per cent of the money raised would go towards Mr Allpress' family with the remaining money going to the fund.

Tickets can be bought from www.nduro.co.nz or by using the "book now" link on the Rotorua Police Welfare Fund Facebook page.

Anyone wanting to donate items for the auction or money to the cause can send a private message to the Facebook page.

Charity Night & Auction
- Friday, October 21
- Tickets on sale now $75 each or $700 table of 10
- Guest speaker Michael Jones
- MC Police Ten 7's Rob Lemoto
- Rolling food platters and cash bar
- Live music