Black Tie Dinner Tops $200,000 in Support of Camp Quality

Charity Black Tie Dinner Tops $200,000 in Support of Camp Quality New Zealand

19 June 2015: A Black Tie Charity Dinner this month raised $200,000 to support the work of Camp Quality New Zealand.

Hosted by John Andrew Ford and Mazda, more than 250 automotive industry notables from both sides of the Tasman, and their guests dug deep to ensure the not-for-profit volunteer organisation, established in New Zealand 30 years ago, can continue its annual regional summer camps and provide a wide range of support programmes for children living with cancer.

Among the more than 45 silent and 25 major auction items were an Eric Clapton signed and framed fender electric guitar and a BB King signed fender guitar, both authenticated, which went for more than $30,000 each. Other popular auction items included a signed Paul Simon song sheet, lunch at Botswana Butchery with Kiwi saloon car legend Greg Murphy, a KTM motorbike and a Tahiti getaway including return flights for 2 plus four night’s accommodation.

It was the sixth annual dinner and auction organised by John Andrew Ford and Mazda in partnership with Camp Quality Auckland/Northland which has now raised more than $600,000 for the charity. Camp Quality New Zealand chairman, Wayne Collie describes that “an unbelievable outcome which exceeds all our expectations. The generosity and support for Camp Quality by John Andrew Ford & Mazda management and staff, their supplier partners and guests and, in particular, their Australian owner, AHG Group has again been a truly remarkable expression of goodwill and commitment to Camp Quality. We are overwhelmed by the support.”

He also paid tribute to CQ Auckland/Northland Regional Manager Geoff Barnett and his team. The money will go towards summer camps the organisation arranges each year at a cost of close to $600,000 for around 300 children aged 5-16 living with cancer.

Mr Collie says the key activity “across our five regions are the week-long summer camps which seek to give the youngsters hope for the future and a rich source of wonderful memories to sustain them as they continue their medical treatment.”

According to Child Cancer Foundation statistics, around 150 young New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year. Camp Quality passionately believes in the power of fun to help these children and their families overcome the challenges cancer brings.

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