With fantastic food, wine, and company in a stunningly decorated venue, an impressive $96,000 was raised at the Hospice Wairarapa Wine Auction at Brackenridge on October 19.
Every mystery bag was sold, silent auction items were eagerly competed for, and the live auction saw some very satisfied bidders. The atmosphere was one of fun and laughter as guests mingled around the food stations and participated in the bidding.
A rich, exuberant and almost “over the top” decorating theme provided the perfect backdrop for the evening, encouraging guests to splash out on food, wine and of course bidding. Food stations representing cuisines from around the world were arrayed in exotic fabrics and colours that glowed under the lights.
A team of seven mostly Martinborough-based women comprise the Hospice Wine Auction Board, combining their skills and experience to pull all aspects of the event together. What makes the biennial wine auctions – of which this was the fourth – so successful, however, is the generosity of local chefs, vineyards and business owners.
Eight local chefs gave their time and much of the food to produce a truly sumptuous array of dishes. The food was matched by wonderful Wairarapa wines, also donated.
Brackenridge again opened its doors to us very generously, and access two days ahead made the mammoth task of setting up much easier. Local businesses were extraordinarily generous. In times of recession this is even more noteworthy, and we thank everyone who gave so much so willingly.
Behind the scenes were the troops of volunteers who put it all together, ensured the evening ran smoothly. The infamous Wairarapa spring winds tried to play havoc with it all as the marquee went up the day before the event, but surrendered and gave us beautiful, calm weather for setting up and a lovely evening.
All of this was, of course, in aid of a particularly important local cause – Hospice Wairarapa. The three preceding auctions made possible the purchase of the Hospice facility in Masterton and then a significant reduction of the mortgage on the property. Expanding services and programmes is now a major focus and the proceeds of this wine auction will assist greatly with those goals.
None of us knows when we, or someone we care about, may need Hospice services but almost everyone is aware of someone who has benefitted from them. It is vital that we maintain a Hospice in the Wairarapa community so that those who need palliative care are able to remain close to their homes and families.
To all who have worked toward and supported the wine auction in so many ways and so have played a part in achieving the core philosophy of the hospice movement: helping to make every day count. Thank you all.
Rachel McCahon
