Backing from the Bay of Plenty residents has made the inaugural Waipuna Hospice Long Lunch Charity Gala fundraiser a swift sell-out.
More than 700 people are set to attend the event at Mercury Baypark Arena on October 16.
The interest has exceeded organisers’ expectations, attracting support from the business community and wider public.
The hospice said the sell-out reflects the community’s commitment to supporting local hospice care, and the patients and families who rely on its services.
The gala will be hosted by Tauranga District Court Executive Judge Paul Geoghegan, “known beyond the courtroom for his warmth, quick wit and longstanding involvement in the Bay of Plenty community”.
Tauranga District Court Executive Judge Paul Geoghegan will host the Waipuna Hospice fundraiser.
New Zealand athletics great Dick Tayler, MNZM, will appear as a guest speaker.
Guests will also enjoy a long lunch, live entertainment and fundraising live and silent auctions.
Waipuna Hospice chief executive David Bryant said the response to the event was a powerful reminder of the community’s generosity.
“To sell out the Long Lunch in its very first year is something we are incredibly grateful for.
“More than 700 people have chosen to come together for Waipuna Hospice, and I think that says a lot about the community we are fortunate enough to be part of.”
He said behind every ticket and table was support for the patients and families who relied on the hospice.
“For us, that’s what makes this so special.
“It’s more than a full room; it’s over 700 people standing behind hospice care and helping make sure it is there for local families when they need it most.”
Bryant said Waipuna Hospice needed to raise over $8 million every year to continue providing care, and that need was growing.
Waipuna Hospice CEO David Bryant. Photo / Brydie Thompson
“The Long Lunch will make an important contribution towards that, but it is one part of a much bigger community effort that makes our care possible.”
Waipuna Hospice provides specialist palliative care to more than 900 patients and their families across the Bay of Plenty each year.
Every donation, fundraiser, volunteer and hospice supporter matters, Bryant said.
The event has been developed with support from community members Peter Blackwell, Mike Stott and Tracy Preston-Lett, alongside sponsorship from Bayleys Bay of Plenty, Craigs Investment Partners, Mercury Baypark and Media Masters.
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has bought a ticket, our sponsors and supporters, and the people who have given their time and energy to bring this event to life,” Bryant said.