Auction with a Twist: Raising funds and changing thoughts

Auction with a Twist: Raising funds and changing thoughts

To mark the lead-up to Youth Week (23rd - 31st May), collective impact agency The Cube are challenging perceptions of youth and disability, by facilitating a series of youth-led events that highlight young people’s identities and cultures outside of their disabilities.

The first successful iteration of a collective impact agency in New Zealand, The Cube works closely with a number of partners to ensure young people with disabilities are provided with the best services, opportunities and experiences possible.

One of these is PHAB, a North Shore-based group that promotes self-reliance for young people, offering social opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a focus on empowerment, PHAB supports young people of all abilities to design meaningful lives for themselves and achieve their goals.

On Thursday May 21st, PHAB are holding an “Auction with a Twist” fundraiser, proceeds of which will go toward furthering their services. Unlike a traditional auction, many of the items available for purchase are unique experiences and time volunteered by a wide range of people connected to The Cube.

“We’ve got amazing experiences on offer, and it’s a chance for people to give back to the community in a way that guarantees feel-good factor,” says Operations Manager Kerry Barnett. “Funds generated from the Auction will be hugely valuable, as while we support over 350 young people already, we constantly have a waiting list of others wanting to get involved.”

In line with The Cube’s focus on youth-led development, the Auction has been entirely organised by young people. Events Ninja Savanna Steele has coordinated the auction, with help from young people involved with The Cube, PHAB and other partners. “I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone’s hard work come together,” she says. “PHAB’s programmes really help young people build confidence and realise their potential. It’ll be great to see this recognised and have the support of the community.”

With ex-Mayor of the North Shore Andrew Williams as auctioneer, the Auction with a Twist boasts items such as a trip to Waiheke with author, speaker and founder of Live More Awesome Jimi Hunt, a one-on-one leadership workshop with National Curator of The Cube Catherine Cooper, and an exclusive inspirational talk by motivational speaker and Cube co-founder Cam Calkoen. There will also be packages, food, artwork and performances generously donated by local businesses and artists, as well as delicious canapés and beverages.

Held in Silo Six, Wynyard Quarter, the Auction with a Twist will also give attendees the chance to see The Cube’s new Re-Imagine exhibition, a challenging series of photographs that recreate iconic album covers with young people from The Cube’s Youth Engagement Group. Working to challenge perceptions of youth and disability, the photographs don’t demonstrate their subject’s disabilities, but rather encourage the viewer to see the person that exists outside of these.

The Auction with a Twist promises to be a fantastic evening, complete with special guest appearances and performances. Not only will you have the opportunity to purchase once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you’ll be part of a paradigm shift as The Cube reframes the youth and disability sectors.

It’s about changing perceptions and supporting young people to reach their goals, so head to Silo Six at 6pm on Thursday 21st May, and get involved!

ENDS

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