Media Release from Remarkables Primary School
October 10 2010

Signed Hillary book a 'highlight' of school auction

A signed and inscribed first edition copy of Peter Hillary's critically-acclaimed book In The Ghost Country will be among thousands of dollars worth of items going under the auctioneer's hammer at Remarkables Primary School next month.

The signed copy of the book, a harrowing account of a three-month-long expedition with Hillary and two companions skiing 900 miles across the icy wastes of Antarctica to the South Pole, is sure to be a hot ticket 'collectors' item at 'Glittering Peaks', the brand new school's first social and fundraising evening on November 12.

Hillary, a legendary mountaineer and expedition leader who has led a life of high adventure since his father Sir Edmund Hillary first took him climbing at the age of seven, first summited Everest himself in 1990, and in 2008 completed the Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

On Friday November 12 he will be guest speaker at 'Glittering Peaks', an inspirational evening of brilliant anecdotes and world-beating achievements.

Tickets for the evening are on sale this week, and the event has proved so popular that more than a third are already pre-booked.

School principal Debbie Dickson said the evening was lining up to be a "huge celebration" of the school's first year of operation and a great fun, social night.

"If people don't want to miss out I really would advise them to get in quick for tickets," she said. "Peter is a huge drawcard not only for parents for the wider community, and local businesses and sponsors have been hugely generous in donating items for auction ranging from ten days camper hire from Jucy Rentals, worth close to $800, to a $500 colour gel printer from Ricoh.

"We also have an interactive cooking demonstration for ten from Encore Cuisine, a range of stunning accommodation, an overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner, wine, activities, pampering and much, much more.

"The response has been absolutely overwhelming and we can't thank enough the businesses and people who have donated these items."

Tickets for the event are $50 a head and include a welcome drink on arrival, continuous canapés and food platters, live and silent auctions, some great surprise giveaways, entertainment and a band. Doors open at 7pm and there will be a cash bar.

Money raised from the evening will go towards buying much needed sunshades for the school surrounds and playground, and resources and books for the learning centre.

Tickets are now available at ASB Remarkables Park during normal business hours. Further information is available on 03 441 4044.

ends

© Scoop Media