Ladies lunch for Waipuna Hospice and Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service

Leona Smith, Matilda Rice, and Wendy Robertson at the Ladies Charity Luncheon at the ASB Arena. Photo / Andrew Warner

"Courage, compassion and kindness" was the theme for the Ladies Charity Luncheon today at ASB Arena.

More than 800 women attended the event with MC Matilda Rice of Bachelor fame, along with guest speakers actress Miriama Smith and anti-bullying advocate Suzy Heazlewood.

Ladies drank bubbles, had a three-course lunch and were entertained by singer Catriona Fallon, a fashion parade and band.

There was frenzied bidding throughout the afternoon on auction items which included two Vespa scooters from Farmer Autovillage, f45 membership, holidays, art, and beauty goodies.

The lunch, organised by local women Leona Smith and Wendy Robertson, raised more than $200,000. Smith said the money would be given to the Waipuna Hospice and the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service.

"It's going to touch lives, and it means for the surf club, especially, that they are going to be able to make some progress in finishing their projects, and it it's going to aid some patients with palliative care at Waipuna Hospice."