An afternoon for Annie
The image of Annie Bennett digesting the “surprise” her daughter Joanne had so cleverly forged, says it all!
This humble lady from Dunedin has metastatic liver cancer and as July approached she really had no idea what awaited her at Larnach Castle. Her wish was to have a High Tea with two close friends!
Annie had always loved Garden Parties and was planning to have one upon her death (at her funeral). Unbeknown to Annie, her conniving and somewhat scheming daughter Joanne, had other ideas in mind. With the help of Race4Life, Joanne’s plan came to fruition.
Joanne was adamant that Annie should experience the Garden Party when she was still alive and able to enjoy the occasion with her closest friends and family.
To keep Annie’s nose off the scent, Joanne presented her Mum with a voucher in late June for a High Tea at Larnach Castle with friends Mary and Stuart. Meantime Joanne contacted all those close to Annie and together with Race4Life, arranged this very special occasion.
Family and friends flew in from all over the country to be with Annie on this special day. Larnach Castle were simply amazing, as was, Angela from Angela Jane Photography, who caught so many precious moments, for all to treasure.
SIMPLY MAGIC!!
A message from the General Manager
Where do I start?
A huge THANK YOU, to all our supporters, throughout the country, who continue to make difference in the lives of our patients and their families.
Without you all, the MAGIC would simply not happen.
Might I also take this opportunity to thank the fantastic staff we have at Race4Life. Alex van Tuyl as Wish Team Leader, has taken her role to the next level. Alex and the team are juggling up to 50 wishes at any given time, working tirelessly to help make dreams come true. Passion for our cause is alive and thriving in the Wish Team, their achievements totally astounding!
With a total of 8 staff members, the premises in Takapuna are ideal and facilitates our needs perfectly.
The annual LONG LUNCH held at the newly renovated Merchant Pub Co was another awesome event, attended by so many of our loyal and generous supporters. Lance and Lara Campbell you totally ROCK!!
Our Fundraising schedule is very busy for the latter part of the year with the 25th Anniversary event of TARGA NZ, and the Auckland Marathon, planned for October /November. Race4Life has rescheduled A DAY2INSPIRE for Nov/Dec this year. This very popular patient event will provide an opportunity for patients to be inspired, coupled with an excuse, for a Xmas Party! Watch this space.
Office manager Sam, celebrated the birth of her beautiful daughter Ivy on July 15th. A huge welcome to Ivy from us all at Race4Life and congratulations to partner James and big sister Millie, too!
Have a great read!
Viv
THANK YOU to The Merchant Pub Co
Lara and Lance Campbell are simply stunning human beings.
On September 6th, they opened their newly renovated establishment, The Merchant Pub Co, to over 200 Race4Life supporters. All present were subject to a four course culinary feast and an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful work of our Trust.
MC Ian Jones began the day, giving all those present a rundown of what was in store. Guests were privy to the sharing of some touching stories from the eyes of patients and service providers. Ex All Black, Josh Kronfeld shared a few recent stories of his involvement with patients, impressing upon all those present, of the impact they made personally. This special “something” is a common sentiment amongst those who have been involved in the delivery of a wish.
The crowd present were tempted on many occasions throughout the day, to raise their hands to auction bids for an array of decadent prizes. As a result of the generosity shown, over $90,000 was raised for the Trust.
How amazing is that!!
Lance and Lara Campbell you so totally ROCK
Thanks a million!
Welcome to Baby Ivy
Welcome to our new Office Manager
Hi my name is Anastasia Tapusoa, and I am excited to have joined the amazing team at Race4Life. I am the eldest child of four, with most of my family living in Samoa. I now flat with a couple of my friends in Grey Lynn. Interests of mine would include playing tennis, attending a range of events and spending time with friends and family.
Starting my education in New Zealand in boarding school, I made my way to AUT studying a BA in Event Management and Marketing. When completing my last semester earlier this year, I began my relationship with Race4Life as an intern. After recently graduating, they didn’t want to see me leave and hired me as the new Office Manager with Sam taking her maternity leave.
I look forward to what the future might hold being a part of the Race4Life Trust!
Our Wish List
With our Wish Service expanding rapidly, we are looking for help and support throughout the country. We are presently working on an initiative to create Teams of Volunteers all over New Zealand.
Each allocated area would need a Coordinator who would work with a Team of Volunteers, facilitating wishes in the areas and helping to market and promote the Trust.
The work of the Team would not only include hands on, in the delivery of the Wish. Volunteers would also work with service providers within communities, ensuring they are informed and acknowledged.
If you are interested in helping us develop this service in your area, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact DEB:
Ph: 0272586614
Email: deb@race4life.org.nz
Marathon Report
The Race4Life staff have decided to hit the streets on October 20th and join the Marathon Team at the Auckland Marathon event.
We are so keen to spread the news of our wonderful Trust and to raise funds for the Wish Service.
We invite you to either JOIN US by following the steps below or to DONATE to the team.
Thanks so much
https://aucklandmarathon2019.everydayhero.com/nz/the-race4life-champions-1
Below are the links to:
STEP 1:
Entering the marathon
https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/57406451/select-race?locale=en_NZ&_p=6473494179402823
STEP 2:
Setting up your own Fundraising page
https://aucklandmarathon2019.everydayhero.com/nz/the-race4life-champions-1
STEP 3:
Press JOIN THE TEAM button
Once you have set up your page, all you need to do is to share your page on Facebook with your friends.
If you do not have a Facebook page, just email the news to your friends and invite them to sponsor you
THANK YOU
Loretta’s Story
Loretta Taylor, her husband Mark and their two young children, Charlie (4) and Anabelle (2), embarked on a very special trip to Queenstown in early April this year. Loretta is only 29 and has a diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour. With the help of some amazing people Loretta and her family had the most fantastic time and have created some very special memories together.
In Loretta’s own words:
“Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for our amazing trip to Queenstown, we had such a fun and memorable time 😊😊♥️
We felt so blessed and overwhelmed by all the different activity operators and the lengths they went to, to make our stay so special. On arrival at the Crowne Plaza, a lovely hamper awaited us in our room, full of treats for us all and activities for the kids. The underwater observatory allowed the kids to feed the fish so many times!! Lonestar T-shirts were given to all. The Luge operators gave us heaps of rides. ( I mean heaps!). The staff from Brazz Steakhouse were so accommodating. Plus the team from Ferg Burger gave us a bag of merchandise and made us feel like royalty! We have never eaten so much good food 😄. The kids really enjoyed all the activities and so did we.
I especially appreciated it as it is something, I would have loved to have organised myself. It was just magic to have it laid out and organised for us all.
Thank You to all the amazing sponsors”
Click Below to see the family video of the trip:
Donate To Our Cause:
The Race4Life Trust is granting wishes for palliative care patients throughout New Zealand,
ensuring that their final wishes are fulfilled. In the process, the Trust is creating cherished memories for patients and their families.
If you would like to donate to the Wish Service, or sponsor an individual wish, please click below.
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