MHTNZ big You Night - July 30

MHTNZ big You Night - July 30

One of this country’s legendary motor racing drivers, Kenny Smith, is to be honoured at the inaugural Men’s Health Trust New Zealand’s big ‘You’ night black tie fund raising dinner in Auckland on July 30.

The Trust is launching the big ‘You’ night as an annual event to pay homage to, and publically recognize, a leading New Zealand man across a range of fields. The event will also raise funds for the Trust to continue to expand its work promoting the importance of men taking responsibility for looking after their health.

Chairperson of the Trust, Mrs Colleen Thurston, says the charity is proud to launch the big ‘You’ night at SKYCITY because it’s an exciting way of bringing some of the motor racing fraternity’s great names together for a very important cause.

“What could be more vital to our country than ensuring the healthy lives of our men – fathers, sons, brothers, uncles and nephews? We need men to understand that their health is very important, not only to themselves, but also their families and society in general,” Colleen Thurston says.

Kenny Smith made his racing debut in the 1963 New Zealand Grand Prix with other motor racing greats such as Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon and Denny Hulme.
Now at the age of 69 and in his 53rd year of racing, Kenny is still competitive against today’s much younger drivers. His passion for single seater racing has seen him mentor many of New Zealand’s top young drivers including Scott Dixon, Brendon and Nelson Hartley, Matt Halliday and Christina Orr.

Well known by iconic names such as Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss, Smith has the distinction of being one of the last few standing among his fellow aged peers. The only interruption to Smith’s unbroken 53 seasons behind the wheel was a triple heart bypass operation in 1988. While many thought his career was over, his return to the racing track three months later, was the perfect example of his determination and courage to be successful.

Smith was inducted into the MotorSport New Zealand hall of fame in 1995, and was named in the Queen’s birthday honours list in 1988, when he was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire).

The first big ‘You’ night promises to be a fun filled night of great food, entertainment, music and a live auction. Tickets are $250 per person or $2500 for a table of ten. To book tickets contact the Men’s Health Trust New Zealand on 09 306 8820 or email info@you.org.nz. There are limited tickets so book early.

ends

© Scoop Media