Hospice Waikato was centre of attention at Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre on 22 May, as local businesses and personalities combined their efforts to support the charity.

More than 600 guests filled the Heaphy Room for a night of entertainment and auctions. News anchor Hilary Barry was MC for the night, with 7Days frontman and comedian Jeremy Corbett bringing his particular brand of humour to the party.

Fund raising efforts raised over $105,000 and will now be used to continue the organisation’s free of charge services to those in need.

Hospice Waikato Chief Executive Craig Tamblyn said he was humbled by the massive support received on the night, with Montana Catering providing a four-course dinner, half of the beverages and staff at no cost, and an impressive list of businesses providing some amazing items for auction prizes.

“Last year, Hospice Waikato was called on to look after more than 900 people, visiting patients in Cambridge, Morrinsville and Ngaruawahia, and Collaborative Care nurses serving the wider Waikato providing palliative care for people at home,” said Tamblyn.

“We need to find approximately $2 million each year just to open the doors and it is a constant battle to find the money we need. We’re grateful the community continues to step up to get us there,” he said.

Montana Catering Managing Director Peter Stark was proud to support the banquet.

“It gives us the opportunity to show our appreciation for the care provided by the hospice to our loved ones, families and friends. We are pleased to be able to assist the remarkable and relevant community family that is Hospice Waikato,” he said.

Hamilton City’s Event Facilities Director of Business Development, Murray Jeffrey, says it was a privilege to host the Bucket List Banquet at Claudelands.

“Most people from the region would have experienced or witnessed the incredible work that Hospice Waikato does, and it was fantastic to see Claudelands filled to the brim with so much energy and generosity for this event,” he said.