Cash boost for sick kids

Wendy Meyer and Geoff Barnett at the John Andrew gala night. Photo / Supplied

What price would you put on a (now hard-to-find) Kiwi household product? How about $350 for a 220g jar of Marmite?

When it's all for a great cause, that's how much people will pay.

The third annual John Andrew gala dinner and auction for Camp Quality raised close to $60,000 from the auction items, including the Marmite, an amount that increased to $100,000 thanks to pledges from the audience.

Camp Quality is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation providing support programmes for children with cancer.

TV personality Wendy Meyer hosted the evening at John Andrew Mazda's new showroom on Ponsonby's Great North Rd.

Camp Quality regional manager Geoff Barnett described the night as an unbelievable result and a completely humbling experience.

"The generosity and support of John Andrew Ford and Mazda along with their suppliers and associated guests was remarkable, words cannot describe how ecstatic we are with the result," said Barnett.

The assembled dinner guests not only bid on more than 25 donated auction items but also made additional pledges of support during the evening to reach the astounding total.

John Andrew dealer principal Paul Brown paid tribute to his guests.

"None of us ever want to hear the words 'child' and 'cancer' in the same sentence but unfortunately for many children cancer is a reality they can't escape," he said.

"It is a both a privilege and our duty for the John Andrew team to bring together a philanthropic group of individuals and businesses to support the work of Camp Quality. The generosity of our guests on the night will make a tangible difference to children's lives."

Automotive Holdings Group managing director Bronte Howson, who travelled from Perth for the event with group executives Gus Kininmont and Jeff Leisk said, "It is very much a cooperative effort and it's great to see the support given by Ford, Mazda and our many other corporate partners."

Barnett said the money raised will go towards summer camps that the organisation runs each year in the Auckland/Northland area for children aged 5-16 living with cancer.