Event raises $30,000
An event to raise money to support survivors of sexual abuse has been deemed a great success after clocking up more than $30,000.
This month’s Colour Me Purple fundraising event raised money for HELP, a Mt Eden-based service that has supported survivors of sexual abuse for the past three decades.
Guests attended the event dressed in purple.
They were treated to performances that included Chris Olwage’s Black Swan routine, made famous on New Zealand’s Got Talent.
There was also a silent auction and a live auction where goods under the hammer included a Shortland Street tour, a ride in a police helicopter and a styling session at Annah Stretton.
Minister Paula Bennett, who took over ministerial responsibility for the sexual violence sector in February, attended the event.
Ms Bennett put herself on the auction block with promises of a morning tea and a bottle of wine signed by Prime Minister John Key.
She also placed the winning bid on breakfast with comedienne Urzila Carlson.
Proceeds from the event go directly toward the provision of HELP’s specialised services, including 24/7 crisis services, youth therapy programmes, child and family therapy, justice services and preschool prevention programme We Can Keep Safe.