Cash for cancer on lunch menu

The real estate team at Professionals Patrick and Scott say tickets are going fast for their annual Long Lunch fundraiser to be held on July 12 at the Copthorne Resort and Hotel Solway Park.

This year the guest speaker is well-known sports broadcaster and commentator Keith Quinn.

Andy Scott said the fundraiser has been running for three years, to support child cancer.

"The Professionals has raised $3 million over the years," he said.

Their fundraising has enabled the Child Cancer Foundation to build four homes, in Arrowtown, Wellington, Taupo and Auckland.

Mr Scott said the homes are for families to base themselves while their child receives treatment, or places for a family to get away and have a break.

Last year Patrick and Scott raised $14,000, and hope to better that this year.

"Historically we stood on a street corner and collected gold coins.

"We thought there was a better way."

Several substantial auction items are on the block, including a $27,000 Hyundai car from Eastwood Motor Group, three mystery trips with a vehicle supplied and GPS co-ordinates loaded in, also sponsored by Eastwood, and a houseload of carpet from Total Care Flooring and Godfrey Hirst.

"There are close on 20 items [for auction]," said Mr Scott.

Other items include All Blacks memorabilia, accommodation at the Copthorne Solway and two nights at a bed-and-breakfast in Greytown.