On Wednesday, 16th October, the Big Buddy whānau gathered at the beautiful Fantail & Turtle restaurant for a special fundraising lunch — and what a day it was!
With Sir Graham Henry as our inspiring guest speaker and Raj Varma (of ANZ Ads and proud Big Buddy Brand Ambassador) keeping the energy high as MC, the room was buzzing with connection and generosity.
It was wonderful to have our team and trustees come together at the event. A special thank you to trustees Mark Talbot, Grant Fox, our new Chair Shaun Quincey, and Murray Reade for joining us – it was a lovely opportunity to connect and celebrate the great work we do together.
One of the most moving moments came from Anoushka, a mum of a Little Buddy, who shared her heartfelt story about the impact Big Buddy has had on her son and their whānau. Her words reminded everyone why our work matters so deeply.
We were also treated to the always-entertaining Shane Cortese as our auctioneer, who helped drive up the bids during our incredible live auction. Highlights included:
- A Waiheke weekend at Palm Breeze Apartment with a visit to Wild Estate
- Rarer than a Tuatara Craggy Range Wines from Steve Smith, Master of Wine
- A private Wild Legend Lobster dinner in The Fantail and Turtle Glasshouse for eight guests
- A special lunch at Baduzzi for ten with celebrity restaurateur Michael Dearth
- And a custom beer package — 40 dozen bottles — from Urbanaut
In true Big Buddy spirit, there was even a spontaneous act of generosity from Eric Haagh director of Skipperi, who added an annual subscription to the live auction on the spot!
Together, our community raised just under $50,000 — an incredible result that will help more boys without dads in their lives find the steady support of a Big Buddy.
At the Fantail and Turtle fundraising event, we took a moment to honour Travis Field for his incredible service as a Trustee and Chair of Big Buddy. As Mark Talbot reflected, Travis’s leadership and dedication have been a true inspiration.
The gift we offer Travis, is a Hei Toke which represents strength, courage, determination, leadership and mentoring – it is given as a gift to honour the recipient’s mana. It also has the Twist (Pikarua) design incorporated which of course is the symbol Travis and Fantail & Turtle are so well known for. We hope it symbolises Travis’s guardianship of Big Buddy as well as the everlasting bond of friendship. Emerging paths in life that are always coming back together – that whilst he no longer holds the Chair role that his connection to Big Buddy and to our Kaupapa will be long standing.
We’re so grateful to all our generous donors and supporters, including:
Palm Breeze Apartments / Wild Estate / Baduzzi / Wild Legend Lobsters / Steve Smith / Urbanaut / Podis / Sarah’s Garden Services / Cotopaxi / Hydroflask / Lamington / Rumpl / Rotoroa Island Trust / Lego / Planet Wines / Caprice / Citizen / Dermalogica / Beauty Chef / Glow Lab / 16 Tun / Longroom / Bilancia / The Heke / Full Time Bar/Skipperi.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and bid — your support makes a real difference.
