A guitar signed by the late David Bowie is just one of the covetable items up for auction at the Deloitte Summer Salon, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s annual black-tie fundraising dinner on 8 March.
The event is a highlight on the APO’s calendar, and this year moves to the historic Shed 10 at Queens Wharf. A range of live and silent auction items will be available to bid on throughout the evening, with all proceeds going towards APO Connecting, the orchestra’s award-winning programme of education, community and outreach activities.
The evening’s theme is ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and features entertainment from APO musicians, a jazz trio, and singer Tim Beveridge. Former news presenter and now Radio New Zealand’s Head of Content Carol Hirschfeld will MC the event.
This year’s fundraising target for the Deloitte Summer Salon is $130,000, building on last year’s record-breaking fundraising result of $128,000. To assist with this goal APO have secured several exclusive auction items, including: an All Blacks jersey signed by Richie McCaw; a ball signed by the World Cup-winning All Blacks squad; a trip to the Singapore Grand Prix; a jersey signed by Argentinian football great Lionel Messi; works by renowned New Zealand sculptor John Edgar and glass artist Ann Robinson; an overnight stay at Villa Maria’s Marlborough vineyard estate, and the event’s fundraising jewel in the crown, a rare and professionally-mounted Fender guitar signed by David Bowie.
APO’s Director of Development Laura Dee says the black-tie event is an essential part of the orchestra’s fundraising activity. “APO is a charitable entity and fundraising from the Deloitte Summer Salon plays an essential part in making our work possible. APO Connecting reaches out to communities and schools and inspires our city through a range of activities including workshops, mentoring and neighbourhood concerts. We look forward to hosting a memorable fundraising event for our supporters,” she adds.
Tickets for the Deloitte Summer Salon are $260 each or $2,500 (including GST) for a table of 10, and includes a three-course meal designed by Dawsons, as well as wines from Villa Maria and Dumangin champagne. Tickets are strictly limited and available on the APO website apo.co.nz.