Thousands raised for Branches trust

An art auction and hors d'oeuvres evening raised about $19,000 for the Branches Charitable Trust on Friday.

The trust raises funds for the year 10 camp at the remote Branches Station.

Pictured (from left) are trustees Louise Ward, Vinny McCorkindale and Vanessa van Uden, a former mayor of the Queenstown Lakes district.

In the background is a painting of Lake Hayes, by former local Ira Mitchell. It was one of more than 100 works for sale at the event.