LOVED: More than $30,000 was raised for Harper Ahern, 5, through an art auction over the weekend.
LOVED: More than $30,000 was raised for Harper Ahern, 5, through an art auction over the weekend.
An auction event for five year old Harper Ahern, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) last year, raised more than $30,000 over the weekend.
Harper's Little Auction took place at Southward car Museum and with around 250 guests and 75 artworks up for auction, from 62 artists, it was not so little.
With the help of family and friends, local businesses and a string of artists from across the country and abroad, the event secured $32,700 to assist Harper, who was diagnosed in October 2016.
He was among the one in 3600 males affected by DMD at birth.
In addition to raffle sales generating $1700 and ticket sales accounting for $7000, thousands of dollars' of spot prizes were donated by local and national businesses.
Collectively, $24,000 worth of artwork was donated by artists, including pottery and sculpture, paintings, mixed media, quilts, jewellery, photography, prints including gold leaf, wood carvings and pencil drawings.
The highest auction was for an untitled oil on canvas work by Vincent Duncan, which sold for $2200.
Other auction items included a pair of printed boots, a surfboard and accessories from RealSurf, an All Blacks 2017 signed jersey donated by Grant Fitzgerald, and a pair of David Tua signed boxing gloves.
After reading about Harper's fundraiser online, Tua showed his support on a Facebook post, saying: "Keep on keeping on champ Harper. Keep the faith. Lots of love to you from us".
Catered by Creme Cuisine, Harper's Little Auction featured entertainment from ex-Kapiti singer Unity Wara, and international performing aerialist and multi-award winning athlete Douglas Jarrett.
Comedian Cohen Holloway stood in as MC for the evening, before Harper's father Dion Ahern shared his family's journey in a speech detailing what DMD meant for Harper.
DMD, a severe neuromuscular disorder that causes muscles to progressively waste away, results in certain mobility loss.
Harper, whose aunty Emma Ahern organised the event for her Gisbourne based family, will likely be in a wheelchair full-time by the time he is 12.
Dion and his wife Trish, also parents to Harper's older sister Mia, were "absolutely stunned and so overwhelmingly grateful" for Saturday evening's success.
"This has wildly exceeded our expectations."
Emma, who organised the event over four months, said funds will go towards exploring alternative steroid and supplement options not funded in New Zealand, travel for specialist appointments, and future mobility needs such as specialist wheelchairs and mobility vehicles.
The family also want to help Harper enjoy life on his feet while he can.
Now, Emma has plans to run a similar event each year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand (MDANZ), with 100 per cent of funds going directly to the organisation.
"Thank you so much to everyone that gave up their time to help," Emma said.
"A special shout out to Goodman Contractors, Copseford Flowers, Waterfront Bar, Tuatara, Glo Hair, Bidfood, Ajbain Photography, New World Kapiti, Countdown, Spice Hut Paraparaumu, the team at Cuzzy Brews, all the artists and the great team of wait staff."
Dion and Trish thanked Emma for "initiating and coordinating such an amazing event and for her endless amount of love and energy".
"The generosity of everyone who donated, supported or attended this event has humbled us to the core," the pair said.
"We are so thankful and grateful for all of your love and support."
SIBLINGS: Harper Ahern, 5, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, playing with his sister Mia Ahern, 7.
Photo: Cloe Willetts
SUPPORT: Cory Tutahione, left, Harper's Little Auction organiser Emma Ahern, centre, and Paraparaumu artist Rebecca Bond.
Photo: Cloe Willetts
