Sofitel Queenstown Event Raises Thousands

Media Release from Sofitel Queenstown

27 June 2006

Tens of thousands of dollars was raised for research into child illnesses at a new fundraising event in Queenstown this weekend proudly supported by Sofitel Queenstown.

The hotel sponsored the first Sofitel Art in the Mountains event in conjunction with the American Express Big Brunch, held as part of the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival.

A grand total of $31,010 was raised at the event which featured renowned sculptors Kon Dimopoulos, Phil Price and Caroline Robinson and artists Darryn George, Nicky Foreman, Kristen Peren, Minhal al Halabi and Petra Bagust, all creating works that were snapped up by eager bidders.

The artists put the finishing touches to their original works as guests lingered over a leisurely Sunday brunch with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and the pristine alpine waters of Lake Wakatipu.

There was barely a dry eye in the house as Cure Kids CEO Kaye Parker introduced local Cure Kids Isabella Davies (10), Sophie Newbold (11) and 14-year-old Dan McKay to the audience and they talked about the illnesses that dominate their lives and that of their families.

Cure Kids raises millions of dollars throughout New Zealand for research into life-threatening illnesses that devastate the lives of young children. A proportion of the money raised will also go to the local high school art department.

Sofitel Queenstown General Manager Mark Wilkinson said he was “absolutely delighted” with the result of the auction. “It’s a very beautiful way to support Cure Kids, our chosen charity, and is a perfect fit with Sofitel’s support of the arts,” said Mr Wilkinson.

Kon Dimopoulos’s table-sized kinetic sculpture was bought with an $8,000 bid, while paintings by Darren George and Nicky Foreman fetched $5,750 and $5,500 respectively.

Kaye Parker from Cure Kids said the charity was incredibly grateful to Sofitel for giving them a “wonderful” opportunity. “This has been a very special event and our three Cure Kids have had a wonderful time in their special Sofitel uniforms,” she said.

ENDS

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