A most enjoyable Artex sponsors’ evening was held last Wednesday night at Elephant Hill Winery.
Forty plus Rotarians and partners, two participating artists,
plus representatives from Harcourts, Redshaw Homes, EIT, Pan Pac, Elephant Hill Wines
and Hawke’s Bay Surf Life Saving were welcomed by President Helen.
Delicious Mitzi and Twinn Catering Ltd hors d’oeuvres were served by Bex and staff from Planit Events.
Outgoing Artex Director Bryan Matthews, thanked all the sponsors for their ongoing support and also acknowledged two committee members for their sterling work on that committee over the past few years. Very sadly John Nelson passed away recently, and Geoff Bennett has resigned from the club due to family matters in Canada.Bryan mentioned how the new innovation of introducing children’s art to the exhibition was a welcome addition, and thanked Planit Events, The School Shop and Media Works for their sponsorship of this event. He also thanked Debbie, Tash and Emma from Hawke’s Bay Surf Lifesaving, for their help in reinventing the Artex project, bringing a different perspective to the exhibition and its procedures. resident Helen then presented a $20,000 cheque to Charlie Caldwell the Regional Manager for Surf Lifesaving, and it was mentioned that to date the Rotary Club of Green-meadows has donated $80,000 to this cause.
Charlie reiterated that the money the club donates is split between the four local Hawke’s Bay clubs and the emergency team. He sees it as a long-term relationship. Bryan concluded by stating the 34 people last summer went home to their families, who may not have done so if it hadn’t been for the local surf living saving teams. President Helen thanked Elephant Hill for their hospitality and all those present for attending. (NB Re the heading above – the elephant treads on the grapes of course! Ed)