KEY POINTS:
When you're a rent-a-mouth, you get asked to MC a lot of charity functions.
And I try to attend as many as I can. It's a good way to help out worthy causes if you haven't got an open cheque book and you get to meet some great people.
Thursday night's event was out of the ordinary.
It was the 10th anniversary of the First Foundation, an organisation I had never heard of until I was asked by a mate to attend and do my thing.
It would be worth my while, she said, because the charity was quite remarkable.
I smiled politely and thought, `Aren't they all?', but I took the night off work and booked an appointment with the hairdresser.
I didn't get the script until the night before, which is the way I like it.
As I read through the many stories, I realised this was a very special foundation.
It was born of an idea from an over-achieving Kiwi, Steven Carden. While at university, he realised many talented students from lower socio-economic families would never get the opportunity to achieve their full potential, as he had, because of the circumstances they lived in, and he resolved to try to help make a difference.
He approached several high-profile businesses _ Fletcher companies have been there from day one _ seeking scholarships for worthy students.
This is an example of that cliche _ a hand up, not a hand out _ in action.
The students have a significant part of their university fees paid and the sponsoring company gives them work during the holidays.
The students are also paired with mentors who provide support and encouragement. These kids are given a chance _ and they take it.
Three scholarships were awarded in 1998 _ this year there are 99 scholars and 59 businesses involved. Seventeen scholarships were awarded on Thursday night and two First Foundation alumni told their stories via video.
The stories were pretty harrowing. It takes a special person to overcome a childhood surrounded by alcohol and drug abuse, the death of a parent and abandonment by the other _ but one talented young woman has with the help of the foundation.
And it's a wonder the gorgeous young man who's just graduated as a graphic designer was able to survive his childhood.
It's not all Once Were Warrriors stuff _ many of the scholars come from loving homes, thank heavens _ and there were a lot of proud parents, grandparents and whanau in the auditorium.
They were there with some truly heavyweight CEOs _ Telecom's Paul Reynolds was front and centre and delighted to be a principal partner _ and incoming Prime Minister John Key spent his fourth day on the job flying back from Wellington especially to attend the awards ceremony.
But then it's something he truly believes in _ it's a private, grassroots initiative of individuals and organisations helping talented youngsters fulfil their potential.
It was a wonderful night and I've kept a note of all the youngsters I met because I have no doubt these talented, energetic, passionate young people will be the leaders in our community within the next few years.
