The 2019 Hockey Foundation Gala Dinner and Charity Auction, presented by Craigs Investment Partners, was held on March 7, at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland. Over 160 guests attended, enjoying a stunning dinner and wine service while being entertained by guest speakers Kayla Whitelock (hockey), Hamish Bond (rowing and cycling) and Blair Tuke (sailing), and raising close to $40,000 for the Foundations grass roots coaching and coach development initiatives.

Every two years we hold a gala dinner, inviting donors, sponsors, corporates and Associations to attend, to raise money and to increase the profile of the work we fund in the hockey community. Event MC Shaun Summerfield did an outstanding job compering the evening, including a fascinating and engaging 40 minute on-the-couch panel interview with our outstanding guest speakers.

The dinner is a vital fundraising event for the charity, but also a night to celebrate the impact Foundation grants have made, so to then encourage more investment in this worthwhile cause. The pilot skills coaching programme is underway, with Jude Menezes the first recipient of a Hockey Foundation coaching grant. Nelson Hockey received funds toward their coaching clinics and Caitlin King, from Marlborough, was the recipient of the annual Chica Gilmer grant, for educational and sporting support.

With a relatively recent change in emphasis towards coaching, we hope to fund more skilled coaches and coach developers. The Hockey Foundation is still continuing to honour the bequest of Chica Gilmer to help young women juggling study and a blossoming hockey career.

We would like to thank our amazing guest speakers, MC and attendee’s for making the night such a success. A special mention to the guests who bid and won auction items, thank you for your generosity. To Craigs Investment Partners, Toi Toi Wines and Hallertau beer for your great support. To House of Travel, Helping Hands Auction and the Pullman Hotel for bringing the night together. Lastly, to the Trustee’s and Patrons who volunteer their time, a big thank you for all your efforts and time investment. It is very appreciated.

For more information on the work of the Hockey Foundation and how you can be involved and support, look out for the new website coming soon.