Rotary fun'raiser promises afternoon of entertainment

FUNDRAISING: (Back from left) David Jones, Don Gollan, Pauline Evans, Denyse Munroe, (Front from left) Rex Mevrick and Michele Weston. Photo/Supplied

A Rotary luncheon and auction aiming to raise $100,000 for local charities is promising an afternoon of fun, entertainment and a score of unique items up for grabs.

The Rotorua Charities Fun'raiser, run by the city's Rotary clubs, is being held at the Energy Events Centre this Fridayfrom 12.30pm to 4pm.

Formerly the Rotorua Charity Luncheon, proceeds from this year's event will go to eight chosen charities, including the Children's Art House, the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The guest speaker is All Blacks Sevens legend Eric Rush with entertainment provided by Amjazz can-can dancers and Sunrise Rockers. Sports journalist and presenter Clint Brown will be MC for the event.

Between 450 and 500 tickets have been sold so far, though event chairman Don Gollan said they were aiming for 600.

Now in its third year, the clubs decided to shake things up and "put the 'fun' back into fundraisers".

"We have got something for everyone, by all accounts it will be a fabulous event, made possible by the fantastic support we've had from local businesses," Gollan said.

"We've got some great auction items, including some really unusual sporting memorabilia, couples weekends away and one or two things we're keeping under wraps so they're a surprise on the day."

A particularly big draw for sports fans is signed and framed boxing gloves from the widely publicised Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor fight earlier this year.

"It's definitely the only one in Rotorua and I'd say it's probably the only one in New Zealand. It's quite unique."

Signed All Blacks jerseys, signed Golf major flags and tickets to the Alanis Morissette concert in Taupo are also expected to get bidders excited.

"Our guest speaker Eric Rush will be another drawcard, we're very lucky to have him coming along, Stan Mead, Colin Mead's brother will be there, as well as Gordon Tietjens."

There are 120 items up for grabs in the silent auction which uses an electronic bidding system. Items include food and wine, vouchers, art, books and local experiences.

Tickets to the fun'raiser are available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

Fun'raiser beneficiaries:
- Diabetes NZ
- Children's Art House
- Parkinsons Central Plateau
- Kiwi Can
- Empowered Learning Trust
- Kimiora Community Trust
- Rotorua Mountain Bike Club
- Citizens Advice Bureau