Tickets for a gala night incorporating the much anticipated ‘Nav Mega Auction’ — believed to be the biggest local charity auction in recent history — will go on sale in less than a month.
Organisers expect the Friday, April 29 auction will bring them close to fulfilling the $1 million appeal for Navorina Nursing Home.
Helping garner such a huge amount will be a block of vacant land on Crispe St donated by Neville and Debbie Purtill, and a brand new car.
They are just two among a huge cache of prizes Navorina board and fundraising committee member Sam Hall says will generate significant interest.
Mr Hall anticipates the auction could generate at least $300,000 for the aged care facility’s last stage of upgrades, adding to the almost $400,000 already raised by the community since the appeal’s launch in June.
‘‘We have been so impressed with the community’s generosity towards this event,’’ Mr Hall said.
‘‘We will have 30 prizes to be auctioned off, including the land and the car (with a model yet to be confirmed).’’
‘‘We can also confirm there will be airplane and helicopter joy rides, a ‘Year of Beer’, river cruises and dinners, artwork and sporting memorabilia, accommodation packages, a golf package with local sports stars, tyre and service package and a vet service package.
‘‘And there is much more to be announced soon.
‘‘Myself and fundraising committee chair Justine Keech have been amazed at the support from local businesses and organisations.
‘‘Everyone we have spoken to has brought something to the table.’’
Tickets for the fundraising event go on sale on February 1.
You can purchase a table of 10, or just an individual ticket.
All proceeds from the event, including the auction, will be donated to the Navorina appeal.
The $1 million is required for the ongoing refurbishment of the residential services section of the facility, to include a hairdresser, allied health consultation rooms, meeting rooms, a craft room, multi-media hubs, a new chapel, a cafe and visiting areas.
Construction and upgrades to residential wings have been ongoing for a number of years, using government grants and Navorina cash reserves.