Rodney Hide's dancing shoes on Trade me

Wednesday 13 September 2006

Rodney Hide's dancing shoes on Trade me ahead of celebrity race

A race to end all argument between Newmarket and the CBD will take place at Alexandra Park during its night trotting meeting on Friday 15 September.

Newmarket-based MP Rodney Hide and Heart of the City CEO Alex Swney will compete against each other in their equally infamous vehicles. On the track, Mr Hide will be racing his well-known and well-signed Smartcar while Mr Swney will be on his new Jaffa -coloured Vesper scooter.

All proceeds raised on the night will go towards the Have A Heart appeal which aims to raise $18,000 to buy new equipment for Starship's children's hospital's heart unit.

The event has been organised by Newmarket Business Association general manager Cameron Brewer who's keen to silence his inner-city counterpart Alex Swney claim that the CBD is the heart and soul of Auckland.

"Newmarket's put up Rodney Hide simply because he's fiercely competitive. Even if we give Alex a huge head-start, his little Jaffa scooter will struggle to out-run a very determined Rodney in the Rodney mobile. His track-record over the past year, with his success in Epsom, dancing, and spelling bees, gives Newmarket a lot of confidence," said Mr Brewer.

"Alex claims his natural Jaffa agility and quick start will leave the MP floundering but all will be revealed soon. This is shaping up to be a true battle of the business districts. This race will confirm which area's got the most grunt - Newmarket or the CBD."

The race between the two men and their machines will take place at Alexandra Park at about 9.30pm Friday 15 September. Entry into the park is free. Veteran race commentator Alby Gain will call the race and encourage people to donate to the appeal on the night. Consistent with trotting, both men will be given a moving start and will do over a lap of the track.

Mr Brewer is encouraging individuals, organisations or businesses keen to support the charity race to contact the Newmarket Business Association.

As part of the fundraising drive, the association has also placed a signed pair of Rodney Hide's dancing shoes on Trademe. Bidding for the shoes that Mr Hide wore on TVNZ's Dancing With The Stars closes 9pm Sunday night. Already the shoes are up to $100.

"Given Tana Umaga's handbag made $22,750, we are confident Rodney's dancing shoes will make good money for a great cause. Not unlike Diana's dresses Rodney's shoes are a very desirable collector's item that will only appreciate in value over time."

Also up for auction on Trademe, Scooterworld of 302 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, has donated a brand new grey lockable Vespa Top Case valued at $450.

Alexandra Park Sponsorship and Marketing Manager Louisa Ball believes the good-spirited event is great warm up to the Auckland Trotting Club's inaugural Lindauer Lady's Night to be held at Alexandra Park on Friday 22nd of September.

"The Newmarket Business Association may have a strong commercial focus. However when it comes to a good cause like the Have a Heart Appeal we're always keen to lend our support and add some colour," said Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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