Case Study - Go for Gold Gala Dinner & Quiz Fundraiser

The Go for Gold Gala Dinner & Quiz Fundraiser is an annual event to raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation, which provides vital support for children with cancer and their families.

Rees wanted a gold-standard event in 2025. “The fundraiser has historically been held in conference-type spaces, and I was trying to elevate the event. I wanted something unique and memorable. When they showed me the space at MOTAT Aviation Hall, I thought, ‘oh, this is amazing’. And because of the planes, the great thing about the venue is that you don't need to dress it, because in itself it is a spectacle.”

The fundraiser saw 270 guests welcomed at the venue by hostesses dressed in gold with trays of bubbles. They were then ushered amongst the displays of aircraft, past auction tables showing the goods up for grabs, and finally to the dining area where the tables and stage were set up. “We had a musician playing and it was really quite gorgeous. The AV team do a really good job of lighting up all the planes, so they look incredible inside MOTAT Aviation Hall.”

Following a karakia by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, former Olympian Sarah Cowley Ross was MC for the night. The patron of the Child Cancer Foundation spoke before guests dined on a delicious three-course meal and engaged in a little friendly competition with a quiz. Attendees were then inspired by a special family guest speaker, ahead of a fundraising silent auction.

Rees admits she was initially worried about the short pack-in time for the venue; a mere 2.5 hours from the attraction closing to the public at 4pm, and her event’s 6.30pm start time. “But the crew was impressive. They just turned it around. It was quite amazing to see.

“Urban Gourmet were a big part of that, too. They set up a satellite kitchen when they arrived about 3pm. They’re like a well-oiled machine. They've catered for us continuously for quite a number of years now. They provide great service, they're incredibly competent, and the food is always fantastic.”

The set up inside MOTAT Aviation Hall included a stage and gala dinner setting, plus two large screens at each side and one behind the MC to enable guests to see from all aspects within the space.

Rees adds: “I was concerned about the temperature because the venue has concrete floors and is basically a huge warehouse space. It was the end of August and freezing and I didn’t want people to be cold and uncomfortable! I raised it in advance, and ACVE was wonderful. They hired some industrial heaters, and it really did make a difference. They went above and beyond for us.

Overall, the successful event raised $215,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation and achieved glowing reviews from attendees. “The feedback was really positive, and MOTAT Aviation Hall was definitely a standout – everyone was just gobsmacked by the hall.”