Oktoberfest

Thursday 1 November 2007

More than 500 guests responded to the invitation issued by John & Sandy Szangolies to "come to the party" at the NRMA CareFlight Oktoberfest, and turned it into the most successful fundraising event in our 22-year history. At the conclusion of festivities, and to huge cheers, John was able to announce that, as the result of the generosity of guests and supporters, the function had raised a total of $224,000 for NRMA CareFlight. Following reconciliation of all the figures, the grand total raised on the night was $234,000.

In terms of fun and entertainment, supporter turn-out and financial return, this function – the eighth major corporate fundraiser that John Szangolies has organized for CareFlight – will surely be ranked as one of the most successful charitable fundraising events in Australia this year. Held for the first time at the Bavarian Hospitality Group's spectacular new venue at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, it most certainly was a night to remember.

The night had it all ... MC and former leading RL referee Bill Harrigan's arrival by NRMA CareFlight helicopter, Swiss Yodellers, Ken Harrison's outline of NRMA CareFlight's medical capability emotionally enhanced by our high school teacher survivor Rachel Waldron-Bowers, an incredible live auction (with a great mixture of humour and cajoling) by Stuart Gregory of Liquid Ideas, the best Bavarian three-course meal, countless steins, wines and schnapps ... dancing, music and more.

Our thanks go to our hosts John and Sandy and their key staff of Emma Cook, David Schlesinger and Jessica Arena; and to the auction sponsors (including chef Danny Russo and sommelier Christopher Morrison), Harvey Norman, Business Coaching Systems, Matt Giteau (for his boots), Peppers Guest House Hunter Valley, Tower Estate Wines, Roberts Restaurant, BMW, Coca-Cola Amatil, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sony and Audi).