Bosses prepare for the heat at cook-off
Christchurch’s top business leaders have raised nearly $130,000 to buy equipment for school children as part of the City Mission’s back-to-school programme.
Their efforts are for the Bayleys Plate Up for a Purpose event, where they will split into three teams and go head-to-head in a cook-off in front of 200 guests at the Town Hall on Saturday.
Bayleys chief executive Pete Whalan is currently topping the fundraising leaderboard, having raised just under $19,000 from 106 donors. Isaac Construction chief executive Jeremy Dixon is second with nearly $16,500 from 59 donors; Christ’s College executive principal Garth Wynne is third with nearly $12,250 from 77 donors.
Three donations are tied for the highest individual donation: Lyttelton Port Company donated $5000 to Christchurch City Mission chief executive Matthew Mark, and two donations of the same value were made by guest donors to Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge and Chapman Tripp board chairman Andrew Woods.
Mark said the mission was delighted to have exceeded its initial expectation of raising $100,000. ‘‘We have got 18 CEOs from some very well-known agencies.’’ He gave particular praise to Whalan. ‘‘He is an incredibly competitive man who has quietly gone about his work getting some great awareness out there. We are very grateful for his and Bayleys’ involvement.’’
Whalan said credit for his fundraising efforts should go to the entire Bayleys team.
‘‘I was quick to raise my hand to be involved in this event – it is for a great cause.
‘‘I guess we will find out on Saturday if I am actually any good in the kitchen or not.
‘‘My team is on mains and our theme is very Canterbury but my lips are sealed on any more details before the big day.’’
The Christchurch City Mission needs $200,000 to put shirts on backs, shoes on feet and books in bags for children whose parents cannot afford uniforms, stationery, and other basics throughout the school year.
Other involved include Christchurch City Council chief executive Dawn Baxendale and O¯ ta¯ karo Ltd chief executive John Bridgman.
Donations can be made online through the Plate Up page.