"I wondered if I could do something with the food bank. We looked at a trust but were all on the same page, doing the same thing."
After hearing Property Brokers had donated a two-storey house to the Swannells, she realised they would need "a lot more help" and put her thinking cap on.
She came up with a dinner and spread the word via friend networks. Each of the 11 tables will have their own cook, with meat and other produce given free to keep costs down.
An auction features exciting getaways - from Gisborne to Waimarama, two nights at The Sheraton Fiji - to wine and meal vouchers.
"Everyone has been so supportive and generous," she said.
It was key for the Swannell family to get as much backing as possible, and this was yet another way to raise funds and awareness.
