“Homeless” Chefs For Fundraising Concert

“Homeless” Chefs For Fundraising Concert

APRIL 2, BRUCE MASON CENTRE, TAKAPUNA, AUCKLAND

Concert starring Paul Potts, the NZSO and some of NZ’s best-loved artists

The $8 million property used to accommodate contestants in MasterChef will next week be used to accommodate chefs who have been made “homeless” by Christchurch’s earthquake.

Chefs from Restaurant Schwass – a multi-award winning restaurant destroyed in the February 22 quake – will travel to Auckland courtesy of Air New Zealand next week to assist with the catering of the star-studded fundraising concert TO CHRISTCHURCH WITH LOVE.

The chefs will prepare a 10-canape menu, assisting chefs from Goode Brothers Restaurant in Takapuna, for the pre and post show functions. The Christchurch chefs will stay nearby in the luxurious mansion Casa Del Mar, a property owned by Seeby Woodhouse, CEO of Voyager Internet Ltd.

Woodhouse was among the team of experts who helped restore wireless technology in Christchurch soon after the quake.

“We assisted Tomizone and Woosh in whatever way we could to bring back up the wireless networks,” says Woodhouse. “Most people were without access to news/communication. Re-establishing these links was vital for the people and vital to the city.”

Getting involved in the fundraising effort was a no-brainer for Woodhouse. “I wanted to do something to help. This is the least I can do to get the city back on its feet again.”

The concert, to be held at the BRUCE MASON CENTRE, will star Britain’s Got Talent phenomenon PAUL POTTS and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hamish McKeich. Some of our best-loved personalities who will be part of the night include Dame Malvina MaJor, The Lady Killers (Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch, Jackie Clarke and Taisha), Tim Beveridge, Shane Cortese, Ray WoOlf, Rikki Morris, Gray Bartlett, Robyn Malcolm, goldenhorse, HILARY BARRY and Elizabeth Marvelly.

Tickets to this charity event are on sale now at Ticketmaster. www.ticketmaster.co.nz or phone 0800 111999. Numbers will be strictly limited so be quick to avoid disappointment. All money raised from the concert will be handed over to the NZ Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal.

Responding to a call to action by the event’s associate producer Elizabeth Marvelly, more than 100 artists and entertainment industry professionals, including her good friend Paul Potts, are donating their talents and services free of charge in support of the Christchurch community.

"Our hearts are all with Christchurch and we want to help out the best we can," says Marvelly.

The British artist famed for his show winning version of Nessun Dorma was only too willing to lend his support to the cause.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this disaster. Kiwis are big-hearted people who are also rightfully proud of their beautiful country. No one knows what the immediate future holds, but one thing is certain, this disaster will NOT defeat the spirit of the people of Aotearoa.” says Potts, who began his tour of New Zealand in Christchurch in 2008.

Auctions and guest appearances by some of New Zealand’s favourite television personalities will make this night on to remember.

Concert producer Kate Ward-Smythe says artists and professionals have gladly given of their time and talents.

“We are united in our support of Christchurch and willingly offer our skills to assist the residents of this proud city rebuild their lives. This earthquake has touched us all - we are a strongly connected nation. Everybody knows somebody who has been affected by the quake. It is a tragedy for all of New Zealand.”

* There are two ticket options available for the concert. The Gold class $99 ticket, is show only. The second, a $300 premium ticket, involves pre and post show functions at which guests will meet the stars of the night. The functions will be catered for by chefs from Goode Brothers Restaurant in Takapuna in association with the chefs of Christchurch’s Restaurant Schwass which was destroyed in the quake. Guests will be treated to a 10-course tasting canape menu and entertainment.

Those wanting to make donations of auction items, please contact the Bruce Mason Centre on 09 4882940 by Monday 28 March.

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