KEY POINTS:
"Beethoven was deaf," Oscar Kightley announced to the room. "Just think how much gooder he would have been if he'd gone to the Raukatauri Centre."
His grammar may need some work, but Kightley proved himself the consummate host at last night's Raukatauri Music Therapy Fundraiser at the Auckland Town Hall.
When bidding on a series of Bro' Town animation cells began to falter, Kightley announced he would get the cast to sign the six pictures, causing a flurry of bidding.
Just as the items were about to sell, the host then threw another bonus into the lot, promising an afternoon tea with the funnyman himself, if bidding reached $5,000.
The auction - which comprised both a live and silent auction - raised a total of $170,000 for the centre, which provides music therapy for special needs children.
A $30,000 RadioWorks and TVWorks media package became the top lot of the night, selling well above face value at $50,000.
A guitar signed by The Cure fetched $6,500, while a set of dinner plates designed by prominent Kiwi musicians, including Brooke Fraser and Don McGlashan, sold for $8,000.
The annual event, first held in 2004, has become a highlight of the music industry calendar, and raised more than $200,000 last year alone.
Established in 2003, the centre is the first of it's kind in New Zealand and was established by local singer/songwriter Hinewehi Mohi, who performed at last night's event.
Don McGlashan, Carly Binding, Tama Waipara and Barnaby Weir also lent their talents to the cause, taking the stage throughout the night.
