The Rotary Club of Somerville celebrated its 25th Anniversary, where around 140 people attended the black tie – gala dinner & charity fundraiser on August 14 at the Howick Club.
The new president of Somerville Rotary, Bini Homavazir, was delighted with the dinner. “The evening was a double celebration, our first big fundraiser event for the new Rotary year and a special celebration of our club’s 25 years of community service,” Homavazir said.
“I am incredibly proud of how much we raised and would like to extend a special thank you to all club members who were pivotal to the event’s success.”
The night was hosted by MC Jake O’Flaherty alongside great entertainment and a sumptuous buffet dinner. Rotary dignitaries graced the occasion – District Governor Steve and Edith Chaney, Past District Governor Gary and Jan Langford, Past District Governor Alan and Claire Eyes and Past District Governor Dr Philly and Yasmin Karani.
The night progressed with a presentation on business leadership by Christopher Luxon, business leader-turned-politician [MP for Botany] and honorary member of the Rotary Club of Somerville. The crowd were hooked from start to finish as Luxon – who was accompanied by his wife Amanda Luxon – provided useful pillars for leadership success and great insight into his own personal journey.
Hundreds of raffle tickets were sold throughout the night which ended on a high with a successful auction, hosted by the witty and entertaining auctioneer Robert Tulp from Apollo Auctions.
“Somerville Rotary would like to say a big thank you for the support and generosity of event sponsors, donors, fellow Rotarians from various other clubs, family and friends, who graced the evening,” Homavazir said.
“A thank you also needs to be said to the very generous auction donors and bidders and to Times Media, the media partners for the event.”
Funds collected will go towards the club’s local projects including:
. Distribution of merino wraps to new mothers in birthing units;
. Packing of emergency kits for the Pacific Islands;
. Mangemangeroa tree planting;
. Distribution of Duffy books, dictionaries and pyjamas to low decile schools;
. Supporting the RYLA, RYDA & MUNA Rotary programmes
. International projects including toilet blocks in Kenya, ophthalmology equipment in Pune and water projects in remote villages in India.
“The Rotary Club of Somerville may be small but has time-and-again shown that we can punch well above our weight when helping out the community while always having fun.
Here’s to another successful 25 years,” Homavazir said.
“If you would like to join our dynamic club, please contact me on 029 8362951 or contact us on our Facebook page.”
