Stars shine as AKLDers show their support for music therapy

6 May 2011

After an evening of stellar performances and excited bidding, the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust is proud to announce that an impressive $130,000 has been raised during its seventh annual gala dinner and auction.

The generous outpouring of support at last night’s event in Auckland ensures the trust’s centre can continue to provide life-changing music therapy for children with disabilities.

The Raukatauri Gala Dinner and Auction was hosted by Carol Hirschfeld and John Campbell at the Langham Hotel. It featured a range of unique musical collaborations including Don McGlashan and Anika Moa, Nesian Mystik and Jason Kerrison, and a thrilling performance by Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre patron Hayley Westenra.

The evening’s entertainment culminated in a unique ‘supergroup’ ensemble of all the artists led by Tim Finn, Lawrence Arabia, and the night’s musical director, Karl Steven.

Big-ticket auction items of the night included a BBQ evening with Jason Kerrison, which sold for $9,000, a painting of Tim Finn created live on the night by Otis Frizzell ($7,200) and a longboard signed by Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson and Liam Finn ($8,500). A guitar signed by Kenny Rogers, was a steal at just $4,500.
However the most expensive item on the night was a flight package for two to London to wine and dine with chef Peter Gordon at his Providores restaurant, which went under the hammer for $11,250.

All money raised goes directly to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, the only privately-run clinic of its kind in New Zealand.

ENDS

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