21 August 2023
- MEDIA RELEASE -
Harbour Hospice’s largest annual fundraiser, Vintners’ Brunch, is always a memorable affair. But at this year’s event, held at the Pullman Auckland on Sunday 20 August, it was guest speaker 22-year-old Gabrielle Anstiss who made it unforgettable.
Gabrielle shared her inspiring story of her experience of hospice. At 21 years old she took a year out of her life to move in with and care for her dear friend and neighbour, Bob, as he neared the end of life. “I feel so incredibly grateful and honoured to have been able to do this, because without hospice support I wouldn’t have been able to,” she told the 400-strong room of generous donors.
Gabrielle said hospice nurses were there to support her every step of the way and gave her the confidence and strength to care for Bob. “Because it was scary at times and it was emotionally challenging. It was like stepping into this world that was often intense and dark, but also beautiful, and all the way the nurses were there to guide us.”
Gabrielle’s story prompted guests to open their wallets and hearts to the tune of $375,000, raising vital funds for Harbour Hospice and helping to ensure that the charity will be there for the growing number of families who need it, now and in the future.
“Gabrielle and the hundreds of families we care for daily are the reason events like Vintners’ Brunch are so important,” Harbour Hospice Chair Ann Tod said.
“Right now, one in three people who die in our community receive hospice care and that demand is growing. So, too, is the need for the incredible nurses, doctors and support teams who care for those in their final days, weeks, months and years of life.”
Money raised at this year’s event will help keep hospice nurses on the road with the technology they need to visit patients in their homes. It will relieve the financial stress for families who cannot work while they are caring for a loved one, help maintain the hospice gardens that provide a welcome sanctuary for patients and their families, and much more.
At Sunday’s event 370 guests feasted on around 4000 plates of exceptional food and matching wines, served up by 20 of Auckland’s most popular restaurants and wineries. Each food and wine match competed for the title of ‘food & wine match of the year.’ The winning match, voted by guests, was Poni of Commercial Bay, Auckland CBD and Babich Wines with a Crab & scallop ravioli porcini soil & corn beurre monte paired with Babich’s Family Estates Organic Rosé.
Alongside the steady flow of culinary delights were more than 70 live and silent auctions which included a $30,000 kitchen transformation, a 7-night Dutch waterways cruise for two and a luncheon for six at Waiheke Island’s Te Motu Vineyard, travelling to and from the island by helicopter.
Harbour Hospice Chief Executive, Jan Nichols, says she is deeply humbled by the support of everyone involved, especially the restaurants and wineries.
“Every restaurant and winery involved chose to support us despite the immense ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality sector and we are very grateful for the countless hours they’ve donated. Special mention to Pandoro who has been part of this event for 25 years.
“A huge number of individuals, groups and local businesses also generously supported us, and without them Vintners’ simply could not happen. We can’t thank them enough for their loyalty and generosity.”
This year marked the flagship event’s 26th year, after its concept was generously gifted to Harbour Hospice by Matua Valley Wines co-founder Bill Spence many years ago.
Co-hosted by broadcaster Pippa Wetzell and wine expert Vic Williams, the live auction was expertly managed by North Shore auctioneer, Robert Tulp. “Because of the generosity of everyone involved in this event, Harbour Hospice’s specialist team can grow and evolve to ensure that everyone can continue to experience the highest level of care, compassion and support,” Nichols said.
“We’re so incredibly grateful and can’t wait to do this all over again next year.”
– Ends –
