By Bruce Jenks
Stewart Financial Group
Rotary Club of Taradale, NZ
Photos: Simon Cartwright Photography
Good things happen when a great idea is supported by local businesses and Rotary. And that’s exactly what happened when Hawkes Bay resident Germaine Meeuws from Stewart Financial Group suggested she utilise her event-planning skills to organise a Hawke’s Bay Cyclone Relief Gala.
Germaine’s philanthropic passion is usually the annual Hawkes Bay Cure Kids Gala, which was postponed this year due to the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle in February. Instead, she pivoted and started planning a similar event for disaster relief.
Mandy Cartwright from Grow HR raised a glass to the organisers
Thanks to the team from Stewart Financial Group, Rotarians, and the support of many businesses in Hawkes Bay and nationally, along with the many generous individuals who attended the formal gala night, a total of $28,000 was raised. The funds will help Hawkes Bay’s families, community organisations and marae with recovery from the impacts of the cyclone.
“Cyclone Gabrielle was akin to a terrible postcode lottery; some houses flooded to the eaves, while others had a soggy backyard,” said Nick Stewart of the Stewart Group.
“The immediate calls for clothing, toys, food and other necessities were met and exceeded. Folks got stuck in (quite literally) and dug others’ homes back out of the silt. It was this same spirit we saw at our gala night. With the help of our generous guests, Stewart Group, with support from Rotary, couldn’t be prouder of the $28,000 raised for the Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Trust.”
(L-R) Rory O’Neill, Germaine Meeuws, Don Stewart, Bruce Jenks, Brent Allcock, Nick Stewart, Prathme Rabeshen, and Paula Enticott.
Rotarians happily offered their assistance for the event. President of the Rotary Club of Taradale Tracey Hunter, Past President Kaye Wishart, John Reid and partner Ruth, and Vice President and Director Bruce Jenks and partner Lynette all assisted with operations and preparations.
Generously donated prizes included vacations with luxury car hire, beautiful art pieces and wines, and a generous helping of sweets. Funds were raised via ticket sales, raffles, silent auctions, a main auction event, and private donations by attendees on the night.
DJ Shane Hawkins (DJ 4U) donated his skills and time to ensure all enjoyed a twirl on the dancefloor. Nick at Easy Print and Kaye from beauKayes Florist also provided generous support. Kevin Wagg and Joe Snee, both from Property Brokers, presided as MC and auctioneer, providing superb entertainment.
Joe Snee from Property Brokers provided great entertainment as auctioneer on the night; The fashion stakes were high at the glittering affair; A signed Bay Hawks singlet was auctioned during the Stewart Group Gala Night to help raise funds for cyclone victims; Sponsors and guests enjoyed the stunning surrounds of The Old Church event space.
MAIN PICTURE: Opera Tenor Brent Allcock from Stewart Group Wellington delighted the audience with his vocal skills at the Hawkes Bay Gala Night Flood Relief Fundraiser in July.