Flood fundraiser a big hit

WGP 22Jul15 - GUEST STARS: 'Mrs Brown' and local singers with New Commercial Hotel owners Jude Dix and Ian Hayward.

The New Commercial Hotel and it's patrons danced the afternoon away on Sunday with talented singers in conjunction with Raybern Entertainment.

Hotel owners Jude Dix and Ian Hayward hosted the fundraising event in the weekend for flood stricken farmers and families in Eastern Taranaki.

The event also received a lot of support from local business by way of donating prizes to be raffled off during the event. Danny Bates of McDonald Real Estate offered his services as an auctioneer for the afternoon.

Entertainer Morris West and his alter ego Mrs Brown also donated time amusing the crowd between the musical acts.

While the funds raised are still being totalled up, Jude says the generosity of those in attendance was heart warming. Jude says those who missed out this weekend and are still wanting to make a donation, they can see herself or Ian. "I am still putting together raffles each week and tickets are being sold over the bar."

- From Jude and Ian from the New Commercial Hotel

"We would like to sincerely their staff and helpers who worked tirelessly up front and behind the scenes with the fundraising event, it would not been possible without you. Also to everyone who attended and made donations you have helped in a special way.

The day was a huge success with contributions from guest artists "Just Us", Gloriana, Mike Harris, DJ Rayza and Angelica and comedian Mrs Brown, you were all a huge hit. Donations made by businesses, social clubs and friends of the community made the auction, the raffles and the kai cooker a great success. Acknowledgement must also go to the bidders and supporters including the Don Oakes Motors Senior B rugby team who showed us support. This is an on-going journey for our people affected by last month's floods. You've not been forgotten, you're in our thoughts, we'll support you for the long haul ahead. Roads or no roads, bridges or no bridges, stock or no stock, this is only a drop in the ocean for those affected by the floods."