Business networkers from Whangarei found a novel way to raise money for the charity Hospice, with a Masterchef-style dessert-making competition last Wednesday evening.
The ‘Devilish Desserts’ competition, organised by the Riverside BNI Chapter and held at A’Fare catering venue in Whangarei, was a huge success. Over 40 people attended the event, with seven teams competing for the coveted BNI Trophy.
Teams of up to five contestants were tasked with creating the most ‘devilish dessert’ from a selection of secret ingredients, and were given just 20 minutes to create their culinary masterpiece. Entries were judged on taste, presentation and theme by A’Fare owner Mandy. Teams were awarded prizes for categories such as best-tasting dessert, as well as messiest and noisiest team, and even most devious cheats.
The BNI Trophy was awarded to the Orange Team from the BNI Riverside Chapter for their best-tasting tiramisu. However, every team still got to take home a prize, thanks to the event’s generous sponsors – all local businesses – who donated the prize packs.
While the judge pontificated, masticated and ruminated over the desserts, a charity auction was held by Craig Kerr of Maggie Dixon Real Estate. Items to be auctioned off were donated by BNI members and Whangarei businesses, and included a signed Vodafone Warriors poster, stand-up paddleboard lessons and a bagful of wine and beer, plus many others.
Event organiser Margie Hannon of Zeald.com said “It was a fantastic evening and everyone had a great time. We raised heaps of money for Hospice, thanks to all the businesses who donated prizes for the competition and things to be auctioned off. And it was a really good networking opportunity as well.”
All proceeds from the evening are being donated to Hospice, and the BNI Riverside Chapter has pledged to make the total up to $1,000 with a donation from their own chapter.
