Tickets for the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust’s biggest annual fundraiser have not even dropped yet but are already in hot demand.
“Obviously we are grateful supporters are keen to get behind our Bayleys EHRT Charity Auction, which each year raises around $100,000 to help meet our fundraising obligations,” says EHRT chair Patrick Willock.
“But it means more than that. It is also an opportunity for our community – many from the rural sector – to get together and have fun after having been through some pretty tough times.”
With capacity of around 350 guests, the Auction is a gala event held at the Farmers Air Showgrounds Event Centre with a three-course meal, live music, and spirited bidding led by father-and-son auctioneering team Neville and Cody Clark.
It was founded 19 years ago but, with a couple of cancellations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is marking it’s 17th year.
The 2024 version will be held on Friday, September 13 and Mr Willock says things have certainly changed since the event was founded in 2005.
“Back then we had access to one contracted pilot who was supported by St John paramedics, while today the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter has a dedicated team of 12 to provide this critical service 24/7, 365 days a year.
“What hasn’t changed is the need to raise funds to support that service, which is why our Charity Auction is a vital lifeline and why the event sponsorship from Bayleys Gisborne is so valued.”
For his part, Bayleys Gisborne owner/manager Simon Bousfield says the now-$10,000 annual sponsorship was one he was pleased to inherit when he came on as a company shareholder in 2018, after four years with the business.
“It was first signed off by James McPherson (now working out of Hawke’s Bay) who is from a farming background and clearly saw the benefits the Eastland Rescue Helicopter brought to the community,” he says.
“Our region is a pretty remote part of the country with some tough terrain, and anyone can come unstuck at any time.”
Trust members believe their commitment to keeping things fresh is key to the event’s ongoing success.
“We’re always making tweaks to things from the menu, seating structure and entertainment to the auction offerings so generously donated by our amazing community,” says EHRT treasurer Ian Parker. “And this year there may even be a few extra surprises in store.”
Among the guests there to enjoy those surprises will be Mr Bousfield and his Bayleys team who, he says, fill a couple of tables every year.
“It’s always a great night and an opportunity for our team to join together in getting behind the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust.
“That’s why we encourage other businesses to do the same . . . to get out and have some fun, while at the same time supporting a fantastic cause.”
CAPTION: ON BOARD: “We never tire of hearing the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter as it flies over our home,” says Bayleys Gisborne owner/manager Simon Bousfield (pictured right, with EHRT chair Patrick Willock). “Our region is a pretty remote part of the country with some tough terrain, and anyone can come unstuck at any time.”