22 May 2008
More than $150,000 was raised in a charity auction held during the Tribute to Sir Patrick event held last week in Auckland.
Over 300 people enjoyed an evening of memories and laughs as Sir Patrick and several special invited guests answered questions from the audience and shared stories from many years of breeding and racing involvement.
Special guest Bart Cummings was entertaining as always with memories of Sir Patrick in his younger days and a surprise guest in Catholic nun, 85 year old Sister Charles, who taught a very young Sir Patrick, recalled a very determined young man who she said she knew would do well in whatever field he chose to pursue.
Sir Howard Morrison and Dame Malvina Major delighted the audience with several performances and a Trelise Cooper fashion show inspired the ladies in the audience with some impressive outfits suitable for any raceday attendance.
An auction of a variety of donated items, including a trip to the Melbourne Cup and lunch with Bart Cummings, lunch with Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan and a weekend at Emmanuels in Cambridge, a Zabeel and Sir Tristram gold mounted horse shoes and a guitar signed by Bob Dylan held the audience's attention as bidding was furious for the very popular items.
Victim Support, a voluntary organisation that works alongside police and rescue services to help people in time of need, will benefit from the spirited auction and funds raised.