A print of Soldiers Off Set was the biggest-selling item The Gay Auckland Business Association has raised a record amount of more than $30,000 with its GABA Gold Charity Auction, where everything from limited edition art to a topless wheel alignment went under the hammer. The biggest-selling item on the night was Soldiers Off Set, a limited edition print by well-known Australian artist Ross Watson which sold for $2,200. A night out with Labour MP Maryan Street at Auckland's Harbourside, with by two bottles of Louis Roederer, went for $2,000. GABA Charitable Trust Chair Gresham Bradley says it's hugely exciting to see such a fantastic result. "Ticket sales and money raised from this year's GABA Gold Charity Auction surpassed all our expectations and we were delighted to achieve the best results in the history of the event," he says. "It is very encouraging for us moving forward to see the support that the lgbt community has from Kiwis, and we look forward to many more successful events in the years to come." Fair Go host Alison Mau was Master of Ceremonies at the event at The Langham, to which more than 200 tickets were sold. Art and lots for political junkies set the standard, with a limited edition silk screen print by renowned New Zealand artist Michael Parekowhai Spaceman Cigarettes selling for $1,300, and two bottles of the Prime Minister's limited release and signed Pinot selling for $250 each. A Champagne High Tea at for two at the Langham with Labour MP Jacinda Ardern sold for $500, while dinner at popular eatery The Depot with Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye and National's Candidate for the North Shore Maggie Barry went to the top bidder for $400. A black t-shirt signed by Dan Carter sold for $500, while a walk-on role on Shortland Street reached $700, and a personalised phone greeting by comedian Rhys Darby selling for $300. Meanwhile a car wheel alignment from Mayne Automotive performed by their "spunkiest" male mechanic, topless, reached $160, which was twice the retail value. The opportunity to drive a white Santa Fe from Hyundai NZ for a fortnight sold $650, while a weekend away package at Heritage Suites Bay of Islands with a black Alfa Giulietta donated by Andrew Simms Newmarket to drive for the weekend went for $950. The Christchurch Rescue Package was sold for $650. Hosted by Sam Johnson, organiser of Christchurch's Student Volunteer Army and 2011 Sir Peter Blake Trust leadership award recipient and current nominee for Young New Zealander of the Year, the Christchurch Rescue Package includes dinner and wine with Johnson, as well as a Waipara Winery tour. The GABA Charitable Trust raises money for health, welfare and support services that benefit New Zealand's lgbt community, as well as one of the largest tertiary scholarships available in New Zealand that helps young people through their first year of full-time study.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 11th November 2011 - 2:54pm