Auckland City BMW recognised for years of support

Prominent motor vehicle distributor recognised for years of support to Mercy Hospice Auckland

The late Bob McMillan of Team McMillan BMW Ltd now Auckland City BMW, will be recognised for his philanthropic support towards Mercy Hospice Auckland at its popular fundraising event ‘Ten – A Celebration of Tastes’.

Mr McMillan, who passed away aged 74 on May 1 surrounded by his family, was one of the country’s most prominent motor vehicle distributors.

He had a close connection with Mercy Hospice Auckland and his company became one of Hospice’s platinum sponsors. Mr McMillan was particularly supportive of ‘Ten’ having sponsored the event for ten years.

In his final days Mr McMillan was personally cared for by the Hospice in his Remuera home. He is survived by his wife Kerry, daughter Anna and two sons, Scott and Andrew.

Now in its eleventh year, ‘Ten – A Celebration of Tastes’, being held at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland June 11, 2017, has raised excess of $3million net profit over the last ten years.

The funds raised have gone directly towards the care of patients living with life-limiting illnesses and towards the support of their families.

The event brings together ten top Auckland restaurants and ten New Zealand vineyards where guests try all dishes matched with wine.

Auckland City BMW has continued with Mr McMillan’s legacy since his retirement two years ago. This year the company has included a couple of auction packages for the event including a chance to go ice driving at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds. Last year they provided an auction of a Rolls Royce experience including a dinner with well-known chef Tony Astle.

“Some people may wonder what cars and Mercy Hospice have in common. However, when you think about what makes both organisations successful, it is the people that matter the most,” Ian Gibson, Managing Director of Auckland City BMW, says.

“Like Bob, I believe it’s important that people are cared for at the end of their life with dignity. That’s one of the reasons we support Mercy Hospice.”

Mercy Hospice Auckland Fundraising Team Leader Sandy McGregor says they valued Mr McMillan’s involvement “helping us to cover costs, allowing for more funds to go directly towards patient care. He was creative in establishing an event that sold painted BMW bonnets as pieces of art. Many highly esteemed artist worked with Bob and Mercy Hospice was privileged in receiving a share of the proceeds on more than one occasion.”

“Mercy Hospice relies on the goodwill and philanthropic support of the community to be able to continue to provide care free of charge to all that need us. We are very lucky to have known Bob McMillan and to have been on the receiving end of his generosity.”

Mr McMillan’s, son Andrew McMillan says his father was extremely private about his philanthropic giving, so much so that they are just discovering the full extent of his charitable involvements.

© Scoop Media