Supper Club Success in Rotorua

Momentum for the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat Supper Club has continued to build, with this year's event selling out in days and raising more money than last year. The event which was held on Wednesday 11th May 2011 and raised over $31,000 is designed to support the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat located at Ngongotaha.

A total of 152 tickets costing $95.00 each were sold and there was also a live auction of 12 items and a silent auction with many more. About 100 local businesses donated items.

"Based on the economy at the moment, I would have been happy to come close to last year's total of $27,000" organiser Linley Parry said. She said those who participated last year were quick to offer a table for this year's event. Organisers were thinking how to grow the event next year.

Among the auctioned items was a jersey worn by professional cyclist Julian Dean, which sold for $2000. Silent auction items included vouchers for retail outlets. Mrs. Parry said many had reached retail value.

The Ronald McDonald Family Retreat opened in February 2009 and hosts up to 100 families a year. It caters to those who have a sick child or terminally ill parent and gives them a week away from home free of charge.

At the event, Rob Parry told of such families who had been transformed in the space of a week. He told of an autistic girl who screamed with joy as she rolled down the hill in the Zorb and was met with applause from a bus load of tourists who had watched.

Diners also heard of a four-year-old who has spent much of her life in Starship Hospital and whose family was looking forward to when they could holiday in Rotorua. "Just about every single week, both houses at the Family Retreat are full" Mrs. Parry said.

Pictured are Linley Parry and Deb Bell, Supper Club organisers.