AHG to hold charity dinner and auction

A black tie dinner and auction will be held at John Andrew Ford and Mazda in Grey Lynn on July 20, with the proceeds to go to two children’s charities. It’s the eighth annual event run by Automotive Holdings Group NZ and its Auckland dealers, and beneficiaries this year include Camp Quality and the Cure Kids organisation for the first time. Speaking of their relationship with John Andrew Mazda, Frances Benge, Cure Kids’ CEO said, “We are honoured and privileged to be part of this amazing event and are extremely proud of the partnership we’ve developed that has allowed Cure Kids to have a measurable impact in improving health outcomes for children, both in New Zealand and internationally through research.” “We are thrilled to have been chosen, once again, as a recipient charity for the AHG black tie charity dinner and auction,” said chairman of Camp Quality New Zealand, Wayne Collie, who has been involved with the event since it began in 2010. “It costs $3,000 per year to send a child to camp, and the continued generosity of AHG and its dealerships ensure we can provide a safe and magical experience for children living with cancer in Auckland, as well as give their families a break.” The black-tie dinner will follow a live and silent auction in the John Andrew Mazda showroom. So far, 25 items have been confirmed, including a package to the 2017 NRL Grand Final, the 2018 Australian Open Men’s and Women’s single finals, a drifting experience with professional driver ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett, and signed sports merchandise. AHG will also run several auctions on Trade Me to contribute to proceeds. These include a 2017 Ford Ranger XLT ute, an upgraded Mazda BT-50 ute, and a KTM 390 Duke bike. The three Trade Me auctions will run for 10 days, and are set to conclude live at the charity dinner. “It’s a privilege to co-host this annual event, bringing together our customers, staff and business partners in support of two exceptional children’s charities,” said Paul Brown, dealer principal of John Andrew Ford. “The generosity demonstrated by supporters of this event is truly exceptional and continues to represent one of the highlights of my career with Ford and AHG to date.” “Each year we look forward to this event and continuing our commitment to contribute to the future of children in our community and across New Zealand,” added the dealer principal for John Andrew Mazda, Julian Stone. “The addition of Cure Kids to this year’s event is particularly pleasing, as it is a charity close to our organisation’s heart.”