Sportsmen back charity auction event for hospice

TOP Otago sportsmen Ben Smith and Mike Hesson have thrown their weight behind an inaugural charity event for the Otago Community Hospice.

Tickets have just gone on sale for the BNI Dunedin Charity Gala & Auction Event on October 12, organised by seven local chapters of Business Network International.

All funds raised from the $100 per head event will go towards the comprehensive education service the hospice provides to patients, families and those working in palliative care in the Otago primary health sector, hospice chief executive Ginny Green said.

The hospice, which helps about 500 patients every year, had provided the education service to 3000 health professionals during the past year.

‘‘They [BNI] have pulled together the most amazing evening, including a significant auction,’’ Ms Green said.

The event is at The Village Green, in Green Island, and includes a silent auction, which includes a starter business package worth $23,000, alongside 35 other items.

The live auction also includes an escape to Niue package, a luxury Wanaka weekend with a Ford Mustang and a day of golf with All Black Ben Smith and former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson.

Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor will be speaking on how to thrive as a business in Dunedin, Dean Delaney is master of ceremonies and the Oxocubans will provide live music.