Hospice banquet a success
It was a night of fine dining, live entertainment and bidding, all for a good cause.
Around 950 people attended the annual Hospice Waikato and Montana Catering Bucket List Banquet on Thursday night at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton.
Hospice Waikato chief executive Craig Tamblyn said the night was a success, thanks to the generosity of the Waikato community. ‘‘It was absolutely amazing. ‘‘It was great to have such a huge community in the same room.
‘‘The auctions all went well, we did better than previous years and the ‘wow’ factor was there, particularly with Montana Catering and the food.’’
This year, with community support, Hospice Waikato has cared for over 1400 patients living with a terminal illness and their families.
Tamblyn said most importantly, the event was a chance to talk about palliative care and what Hospice Waikato does for its patients.
The menu, including drinks, was provided - including preparation and service - all for free by Montana Catering.
The four-course menu, from canapes to desserts, included venison carpaccio, beef wellington, lamb roast and tiramisu.
‘‘We’ve built this amazing relationship with Montana Catering and the event would not be doable without that continuing support with Montana,’’ Tamblyn said.
Many individuals and businesses in the region also donated items, trips and packages for the auction, including tropical holidays, pampering, a helicopter ride, instruments, alcohol, even a car.
‘‘There was a great mixture of auction items for a wide variety of people that are turning up to the event.
‘‘We would never be able to do this without the generosity of the community.
‘‘As the years have gone on, people don’t want to miss out and say, I want a ticket next year, and that’s great.
‘‘It’s a great night.’’