Your Diabetes NZ
THE CHALLENGERS DINNER A NIGHT TO REMEMBER With a star-studded lineup of speakers, a delicious menu, and an exciting fundraising auction, everyone knew the Diabetes Challengers Dinner would be the perfect end to Diabetes Awareness month. However, it surpassed all expectations when it raised close to $500,000 for people living with diabetes.
fascinating panel discussion. Also in attendance were sporting celebrities Dan Carter, Dame Valerie Adams, Rob Waddell, Lisa Carrington, and Eliza McCartney – to name a few. Kerre McIvor was our energetic and inspiring MC. However, everyone agreed that the star of the night was 10-year-old Eden Iona, who spoke about her journey with type 1 diabetes. There were certainly some tears shed as she described her diagnosis at age 8 and how it had turned her and her family’s life upside down forever. When she finished, she received a standing ovation.
eld in Auckland’s Shed 10 on Wednesday 2 December, the Barfoot & Thompson and Diabetes NZ Auckland Branch Gala Fundraising Dinner was billed as a sparkling black-tie affair. The 750 tickets sold out well before the night, and no wonder. Special guests included the three skippers from the 2020 America's Cup – Sir Ben Ainslie, Dean Barker, and Jimmy Spithill. Well known yachting broadcaster Martin Tasker interviewed them, making for a
The stand-out live auction items had to be the chase boats. We thought we had three to auction: Luna Rosa Parda Pirelli, Ineso Team UK, and NYYC American Magic. These set the bidding alight. There were a few laughs as well, especially when Jimmy Spithill got a dig in at Dean Barker and Sir Ben Ainslie, suggesting you'd be in for hotdogs and warm beer on their chase boats, rather than the exquisite fine dining of the Italian team.
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Autumn 2021
BIDDING FOR TREASURES
During the bidding, we were unexpectedly donated a fourth chase boat – for Emirates Team New Zealand. By now, the room was electric. This became the item with the highest bidding – raising $35,000. Diabetes NZ CEO Heather Verry says, “We received some incredibly generous donations for our live auction, which will go towards supporting kids and adults living with diabetes and digital programmes to prevent the onset of diabetes.” Those digital programmes will include new interactive learning and online programmes suited to different cultures and languages. The new digital tools will reach thousands more and change the lives of those living with diabetes, as well as those at risk. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors for the night Platinum: Barfoot & Thompson Gold: AIA Insurance, ASB, Forsyth Barr, and Giltrap Group Silver: Westpac, Forsyth Barr, Golf Warehouse, and Lindsay Foundation
