Queenstown residents are being encouraged to dig deep on Wednesday night, at a quiz night and auction raising funds for the Queenstown Lakes Family Centre.
Harcourts sales consultant Simon Hayes said the centre comprised a network of counsellors and staff who provided advice, support and services for people dealing with issues including family concerns, domestic violence and mental-health problems.
"I knew a couple of the people that were involved ... and I respected their work.
"If they said they needed something ... I would help them out through an organisation with charitable money."
However, those funds had not been available this year and the centre was in need of money to help purchase a vehicle to enable counsellors to visit clients in need at home.
After investigating other options, Mr Hayes said he spoke to colleagues at Harcourts who floated the idea of the quiz night and auction - an event which could well become the annual "Harcourts Charity Fundraiser", benefiting those in need in the community.
Tables of 10 cost $250, which would be the "primary source of funds". Several businesses had offered items for a raffle.
One of the most exciting was a "hot lap" at the new Cromwell Motorsport Park, Mr Hayes said.
Multimillionaire and car racing enthusiast Tony Quinn purchased the company at the end of January and since then work had been progressing on the $20 million development on land beside the Cromwell speedway.
The circuit was nearing completion and when the principal of the company - a car and racing enthusiast - heard about the charity event, he offered the experience for the auction.
"You don't have to do anything other than hold on.
"If you believe in God, it's helpful to pray," Mr Hayes said.
Several tables are still available for the event, beginning at 6pm at the Queenstown Bowling Club. To book a table of 10, email simon.hayes@harcourts.co.nz by 4pm today. Entries are a tax deductable donation.
