Charity auction ends but money will still flow

Tauranga police CIB charity auction will continue to boost the local community for many more years despite wrapping up its final auction last month.

An impressive $420,000 was raised in the final auction in October and yesterday police announced the allocation of the funds, which will be distributed at a celebratory ceremony next week.

One-hundred-thousand dollars will be invested in an endowment fund with the Acorn Foundation, allowing $4000 to be distributed every year continuously.

Acorn Foundation general manager Nicky Wilkins said it would allow the charity auction to continue giving.

"We're absolutely thrilled ... It's a fantastic way of honouring the hard work the charity auction trust has done over the past 20 years."

The St John Building Project Trust will also receive a $100,000 boost to its new station in 17th Ave.

St John district operations manager Jeremy Gooders said the trust was delighted by the generous donation.

"We feel very fortunate to be chosen to receive it ... Every bit helps and it's a lot of money."

He said St John had already raised half of the total $4 million needed for the rebuild and was still applying for more grants.

The build was expected to start some time after April.

It would cater to its growing staff and services and be up to date with emergency services standards so they could provide their service throughout disasters. The amount raised in the 2014 Tauranga police CIB charity auction was the most in the event's 20-year history, smashing the previous record of $282,500. The amount takes the total raised to more than $2 million.

Founder and organiser Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell said he was staggered by the generosity of the community and the amount of money raised.

"The amazing giving from what was our final event was absolutely outstanding and was beyond our wildest dreams.

Highlights of the 2014 event included a hand-made quilt sold for an "outrageous" $26,000, which was then donated for display at ASB Arena.

Mills Reef wine worth $7500 sold for $29,000, and a six-month car lease from Farmer Auto Village was given to the family of 5-year-old Jack Dixon, who was swept out to sea off Mauao.

"That kind of giving shows how generous our community is, in supporting that family in a time of need," Mr Blackwell said.

"That depth of kindness is shown by our most loyal supporters, who have attended most of the 20 luncheons and have spent over $250,000 in total over the years - just incredible giving."

He said the event organisers wanted to thank those who supported the event.

"Together we have all made over $2.4 million of difference for the better. A huge thanks from the team - you know you are."

Mr Blackwell said he was pleased to finish on a high note.

"The time is right to move on. We have achieved magnificent results over the years for the benefit of thousands of local children and young people in our community."