Bidding war helps youngsters

30 January 2010
Northern Territory News, Page: 25
Saturday, 30 January 2010

AN auction at this years Australia Day Camp Quality Barbecue Challenge helped raise almost $20,000 for children's charity.

More than 250 people packed into Darwin's Wisdom Bar and Grill for the annual fundraiser, which was the biggest yet.

Everything from beer fridges to indigenous art up was for grabs.

LJ Hooker's auctioneer Morgan Shearer injected fun and authenticity into the bidding. Big-ticket items were a Wisdom a-la-carte meal at the winner's home and a handy motorised esky, at $1000 each.

Another highlight was the sizzling barbecue challenge. Armed with a Porterhouse steak and a handful of raw prawns and vegies, contestants went into a frying frenzy.

Two local bands and the venue's house DJ also entertained the crowd, while Camp Quality volunteers collected donations in buckets.

Camp Quality NT area manager said she could not believe the generosity of people.

"One young guy gave me a $100 note and said these kids do it really tough and I don't' it was so great," she said.

Ms Brown said funds raised would go toward the provision of fun therapy to children with cancer and their families.

All donated money will stay in the Territory.

She thanked Wisdom Bar and Grill, volunteers, sponsors and those who donated money.