Central Otago Dinner Club raises over $52,000 for Otago Community Hospice.

This annual event, aimed at raising much-needed funds for local hospice services, was hosted this year by Jonathan Usher, who brought back the hit Kiwi game show from the '70s and '80s, It’s in the Bag. Over 130 guests enjoyed a night of entertainment, including a performance by local musician Libby Hamilton, alongside Usher's lively hosting.

The main fundraising events were the 25 silent auction items and 15 live auction items, auctioned off by Peter Hishon of Tall Poppy. All items were generously donated by supporters from across the wider Otago area and included artworks by Grahame Sydney, Patrick G. Hall, Samuele Quaranta, and Julie Battisti, along with travel and tourism packages, golf experiences, a luxury raffle, and a 20-foot container donated by Port Otago.

The community-driven event, initiated in 2019 by local resident Russell Garbutt, has now raised nearly $150,000 for hospice services in the region. Fraser Jonker, Chief Executive of primary sponsor Pioneer Energy Group, and Otago Community Hospice CEO Ginny Green both thanked the guests and local businesses for their tremendous support. Russell Garbutt added, "For many businesses, times are tough, so it is even more incredible to see so many willing to support such a great cause."

Otago Community Hospice and Pioneer Energy Group would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and businesses who contributed to making the event a success. Special thanks also go to the Packing Shed and the event organizing team for their efforts leading up to and during the event.