Raglan bands together for Emergency Services Fundraiser

The inaugural Raglan Volunteer Emergency Services Fundraiser packed out the Raglan Club on Saturday night, raising more than $30,000 toward the combined emergency services.

Originally the intention was a fundraiser for the Westpac Trust Air Ambulance alone as part of the annual May appeal.

However, when Westpac Trust branch manager Maxine Picard approached local musician Dave Maybee about recruiting the Legendary Mudsharx to perform, he had a better idea.

“Basically I thought about it for a few seconds and said look ‘I’ll get the musicians for nothing, but, this has got to be for all our local services’.”

The seed for the inaugural Raglan Volunteer Services Fundraiser was planted.

Picard was instantly on-board and along with workmate Marise Durham started promoting the fund-raiser night with other representatives from local emergency services: the Volunteer Fire Brigade, St Johns Ambulance, Surf Lifesaving Rescue and Coastguard.

After only a month’s planning the night was an outstanding success and the core group of organisers were completely blown away by the community response.

Westpac Trust branch manager, Maxine Picard, said it was not just about the money raised.

“The best part about the night, for me, is the way the community came together and responded. Money aside, that’s been the best bit for me.”

All printing and publicity was provided free of charge by Raglan Ink, the musicians including blues icon, Midge Marsden, played for free.  Raglan singing group, the Slipped Discs, warmed up the audience for the Mudsharx.

Various goods and services from local people and businesses were offered as auction items and well known foody Colin Chung offered to cater, not only giving his time and experience, but also all the proceeds as well.

Cash donations of $8000 from Waikato businesses topped up the $8000 received from door sales. A further $16,000 was raised from food and auctions on the night. The top auction, a catered dinner for eight, went for $1800.

Although all emergency services receive government support for core operations, they are also required to fund-raise to provide any surplus.  All funds raised will stay in Raglan, divided five ways between the emergency services.

It was Raglan’s night to say a big thank you to the volunteers.