FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Shipping Industry gala dinner raising money to save lives at sea

A dedicated committee of volunteers from the shipping industry are working hard to deliver an event that promises to raise much needed funds for the volunteer-based charity Coastguard Northern Region.
The Great New Zealand Shipping Ball, the premier event on the marine industry calendar, will take place on Friday 27 June at Shed 10 in Auckland. More than 350 industry notables will gather to enjoy a meal, entertainment and conversation with celebrity MC Mark Sainsbury, and to participate in auctions and raffles – the proceeds of which are donated to Coastguard, to help save lives at sea.

Coastguard Northern Region CEO Callum Gillespie says that the funds raised will go directly towards saving lives at sea. “Coastguard is the charity saving lives at sea. Our volunteers are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the boating community, and it’s great to have volunteers in the community back us through events such as the Great NZ Shipping Ball,” he said. “We’re delighted to be the recipient charity of this event, and we’re looking forward to being involved in the evening.”

Auction items up for grabs range from unique experiences and fishing charters, through to elite sporting memorabilia, marine gear and even a meet-and-greet with sports journalist Martin Tasker. A 2016 season shirt signed by the entire Blues squad, fishing gear, a kayak, annual memberships to some of New Zealand’s most prestigious yacht clubs, and original artworks are also among the prized items up for auction. All up more than 40 businesses have contributed prizes or sponsorship to the event.

The auction is being run by Helping Hands Auctions, which is dedicated to raising funds through gala events such as the Great NZ Shipping Ball, but the remainder of the event is organised by volunteers who have contributed endless amounts of their time to raising sponsorship, selling tickets, and designing and planning the event.

Ports of Auckland are proud to be a key sponsor of the event. “It’s all about a get-together for the shipping industry, a great evening out, and raising money for a good cause,” says spokesperson Craig Sain. “We are looking forward to it, and we congratulate the committee on pulling it together.”

"This is the only time the shipping industry will come together this year," says Vivienne Young of the organising committee. "Many of us have worked together for twenty or more years so there will be lots of laughter and friendly rivalry in the name of raising funds for Coastguard Northern Region. Thanks to the team for pulling it together.”

For more information about the Great NZ Shipping Ball, including a full list of auction items, please visit:www.coastguard.org.nz

ENDS

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