Duane McWaine and David Huebner The outgoing American ambassador to New Zealand, David Huebner, and his partner, Duane McWaine, will be guests of honour at the Gay Auckland Business Association’s signature charity event on October 20th. The annual Dinner and associated auction are the primary fundraiser for the GABA Charitable Trust, which has given out community grants and scholarships now totalling well over $200,000 throughout the last decade. Huebner was US President Obama’s first openly gay ambassadorial appointee and has been frequently sen at may glbti events anf functions in this country during his almost four-year tenure. GABA President Skot Barnett says that this year's "extra special event" is an opportunity for the LGBT community to honour Huebner’s service as ambassador and his contributions to expanding and strengthening the US/NZ relationship. "It's with a mixture of sadness, much love and respect that GABA prepares to farewell His Excellency David Huebner and Dr. Duane McWaine at our premier charity event ahead of their return to the United States," says Barnett. "The Ambassador has made a real impact within New Zealand's LGBT community and has been a great friend, a fabulous guest and a generous contributor to GABA. Please join us as we give a heartfelt send-off to this very special couple before they depart our shores." The dinner and auction will be in the Great Room of Auckland's Langham Hotel. “The auction is our main fundraiser for the important work of the GABA Charitable Trust,” says Trust Chair Gresham Bradley. “For many years, the Trust has helped members of our community to achieve their goals. Our tertiary scholarships have helped young men and women attend their first year of studies, and last year we opened our Pride Grants to assist groups to participate in the new Auckland Pride Festival and Parade.” Bradley says GABA is currently seeking the donation of auction items. “The need has never been greater,” says Bradley. “We ask those who support our programmes to do three things – donate, attend and enjoy this spectacular event!” To donate an auction item for this year’s charity fundraiser contact Event Manager Julian Cook: juju@goodjuju.co.nz.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 26th September 2013 - 2:58pm