Sparkling Extravaganza Raises Thousands for Cranford Hospice

Sparkling Extravaganza Raises Thousands for Cranford Hospice

A glittering, first-time fundraiser has raised thousands for Cranford Hospice and showcased Hawke’s Bay’s finest.

The inaugural ‘Sparkle’ charity event was held on Saturday night in silk-lined marquees on the beautiful grounds of Mana Lodge, setting the scene for an evening of style and glamour.

Dressed in their black-tie finery, 250 guests were treated to a stellar evening of world-class cuisine, award-winning wines and glitzy entertainment. MC Alison Mau was joined by celebrity personality Buckwheat, who wowed the crowd with a ‘larger-than-life’ show-stopping performance, followed by musician John Fletcher and the Hawke’s Bay Jazz Club Big Band.

A ‘snappy and flashy’ auction also provided entertainment, with auctioneer Simon Tremain making sure the bidding was brisk. The 12 impressive lots were all snapped up, with the top bid of $10,000 going to a diamond-encrusted pendant donated by Unio Goldsmith.

“What an incredible evening in aid of Cranford Hospice!” said Cranford Hospice General Manager, Helen Blaxland.

“It was wonderful to see everyone having so much fun, and giving back to the hospice and the Hawke’s Bay community in the process. I was so humbled by the generosity of the guests, especially during the auction, and of course by everyone who made this amazing evening possible. All I can say is a very sincere ‘thank you’!”

Shirley Collins, Presbyterian Support East Coast’s Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Manager said Sparkle was a huge success, with many guests already clamouring for tickets to next year’s event.

“It was so rewarding to see the results of all the months of hard work and planning paying off in such a spectacular way, with the auction on the night alone raising $55,000.”

“The wonderful thing is that people really partied! By all accounts, everyone had a fabulous time, and this is exactly what we worked so hard to achieve. Even better, we already have confirmed table bookings for Sparkle 2016!”

Shirley Collins said dozens of local businesses, restaurants and wineries had donated their time, resources and energy to make the night a glittering success.

“There are so many thanks to be made to all our incredible sponsors and supporters, not least Mana Lodge as the event’s main sponsor – what a stunning venue! We have a special ‘thank you’ in store for everyone who sponsored this event.”

Ms Collins added that heartfelt thanks must also go to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly ‘behind the scenes’ in less than perfect weather conditions, and to all the staff helpers, the ‘Sparklettes’ who shone on the night in their glittering gold aprons and sparkling smiles.

“So many people made this evening memorable,” said Ms Collins.

“For me personally, it was the little moments that were really special, such as the look on guests faces as they saw

Hawke’s Bay’s Finest black tie event our big ‘reveal’ of the party marquee bathed in candlelight and the incredibly beautiful decor, with fresh flowers in the chandeliers.”

“All the wonderful food, wine and entertainment, coupled with the special little touches like the sparkling star gift pin included in the ‘goodie bags’ for the ladies, really added to the evening. It truly was a magical evening of Hawke’s Bay finest!”

Check out the photography on sparklehawkesbay.nz where you can also purchase pictures of your own ‘red carpet moment’.

ENDS

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