Prime Minister John Key put himself up for an auction this week, raising almost $80,000 for the victims of the Canterbury earthquake.At the Canterbury Benefit Dinner, held at the SkyCity Convention Centre, businesses were asked to bid for the celebrity of
Prime Minister John Key put himself up for an auction this week, raising almost $80,000 for the victims of the Canterbury earthquake.
At the Canterbury Benefit Dinner, held at the SkyCity Convention Centre, businesses were asked to bid for the celebrity of their choice (to host their table) from a list representing all sectors spanning sports, the arts, media and fashion.
The auction raised $888,000 in total. The hot items included: the Prime Minister, who raised close to $76,000, for a lunch and a dinner package for 10 people; a media advertising package, which was sold for $65,000; and a New Zealand Olympic Committee experience for the 2012 Olympics, which raised over $40,000.
Following the auction, SkyCity topped up the balance to a total of $1 million.
Allf the funds raised will go to the Canterbury Mayoral Fund.
Mayor Bob Parker, who attended the event, said every dollar raised from ticket sales and auction items will go directly to the Canterbury people.
“Many people are facing having to rebuild their homes, their businesses and in fact their lives. The financial toll will be far reaching. Thankfully, many generous New Zealanders and businesses want to help the region get back on its feet as does this government.”
The venue, food, alcohol and air travel for celebrities was provided for the event at no cost by SkyCity Entertainment Group, Lion Nathan and Air New Zealand.
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