Unforgettable dinner raises $8,500 - Alzheimers Northland
An “unforgettable” gastronomic event, heavily supported by local organisations and personalities has raised $8,500 for people with dementia and their families and whānau in the Northland region.
On Friday 6 August, owners of Nectar Café, Nigel and Debbie Stowe hosted a five course meal and auction for 50 guests as part of Alzheimers Northland’s Awareness and Appeal Week.
Alzheimers Northland's Alma Douglas says she is delighted by the outcome of the night, which would not have happened without the support of the community.
“It was the collaboration of a lot of good community-minded people who made our evening so successful and they all deserve big accolades.”
Local businesses pitching in to support the fundraising dinner included Nobilo wines, Mahoe Cheese, Harvest wholesale vegetables and Omak Meats. Award winning maitr’d Rob Johnston MC-ed the evening while his sister Lee Barachet donated time and materials to decorate the restaurant for the night. Auctioneer Belinda Henson from Bayleys Real Estate and local musician friends supplied their services for free while Barrell’s 100% Mega Store donated a spot prize.
The money raised will go back to the community through the services Alzheimers Northland provide. This year Alma says the organisation is focusing on helping people navigate their way through the dementia journey, something she says will not happen without community encouragement.
“Our support groups, counselling and education sessions help get peoples’ ‘starter motors’ going, which enables them to participate more in the community.”
Alzheimers Northland supports around 1,700 clients per year, with an average of 35 people per week walking through their door. The organisation provides rural and urban day care groups for people in Whangarei, Kawakawa, Dargaville and Waipu. They also run six support groups for carers every month in Hokianga, Whangarei, Kaitaia, Kerikeri and Mangawhai.
