Sold-Out Central Otago Dinner Club Aims to Break Fundraising Records for Otago Community Hospice

The annual Central Otago Dinner Club is again fully sold out, raising much needed funds for the Otago Community Hospice.

This year’s event, to be held on Friday October 11th, aims to eclipse the $40,000 raised in 2023 and will be held at The Packing Shed.

Port Otago has generously donated a fully reconditioned 20’ shipping container. The container is being auctioned on TradeMe (reference 4946393351), closing at 9.30pm on Friday the 11th of October. Everyone is welcome to bid on this item, which includes free standard delivery within the Otago, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes regions.

Other featured auction items include Astrophotography by Samuele Quaranta which recently featured in the Winterstellar exhibition, alongside haunted hotel stays, scenic flights, TransAlpine railway passes, VIP package for the opening of the Kawarau Gorge Cycle Trail and much, much more.

Complementing the extensive auction catalogue is an array of entertainment led by host Jonathan Usher. A keen supporter of the Dinner Club, Jonathan is resurrecting the classic kiwi gameshow ‘It’s in the bag! Jonathan is supported by auctioneer Peter Hishon of Tall Poppy Central Otago and live music from local artist Libby Hamilton.

The Central Otago Dinner Club was initiated in 2019 by local resident Russell Garbutt, who brought Pioneer Energy on as the principal sponsor.

Held annually, with one exception due to covid restrictions, the event continues to grow and break fundraising records. In total, the event has raised almost $100k for the Otago Community Hospice, providing much needed services through the Otago region.