The scene was set - both outside with a stunning sunset and within the clubhouse lounge, formally set for the occasion and enhanced by fabulous flowers provided by the Opotiki Floral Art Ladies, at the Ohope Beach Golf Links. Great food, ( thanks to Trevor @ Cracked Pepper Catering) good company and a common purpose brought together supporters of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation to learn of our successes, to listen to recipients of funds and to be inspired and motivated to view a 'community' differently, by guest speaker Luke Kemeys of nextAdvisory, and the instigator of Boys Get Paid - an online community and Keep the Change - an educator in the financial literacy space.

First up it was an opportune moment to honour one of our founding fathers- Ray Sharp. Instrumental in gathering support for the establishment of a Community Foundation in our region, Ray, along with our Patron Peter Anstis and Ian Craig began working towards the end goal - to build a sustainable and transformative fund supported by the generosity of our community- encouraging thoughtful giving and planting those trees under whose shade, they would never sit.  It was an emotional moment, as Ray revealed his 'why', graciously accepting the gift of a carved hoe - a waka paddle, as a symbol of his role in steering the waka of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation- all the while encouraging everyone in the room to consider the difference they too, could make. 

Zak Herrick, Deputy Head Boy at Opotiki College was the first after dinner speaker. Zak spoke of his experiences on the 21 day Outward Bound Leadership programme at Anakiwa  and how this adventure into the unknown has impacted on his leadership in the College and his career choice, with NZ Police. Zaks scholarship was provided with the support of the Opotiki Kiwi Fruit Growers Community Fund- focused on positive experiences for youth in Opotiki.

The next speaker was Zoe Botha, selected to travel to Belgium with the NZ Holstien and Fresian Breeders - Youth School. Zoe said the experience has made her even more determined to pursue a career in breeding cattle, and build on the success she has already experienced. Each part of the school covered an important part of what participants needed to know in order to fully understand and become compliant with best practise in this field. Zoe was supported to attend with funds gifted from the former Inner Wheel Club of Opotiki. 

Luke Kemeys- young, witty and going places, presented his ideas on community, and how he reaches out to the on-line community he has created (Boys Get Paid) when there is a skillset or task that he needs- and someone out in the ether always responds in a positive way with what is needed. Luke spoke about who his influencers were, naming Craig Norgate as someone who impressed upon him, the need to 'give back'. In his 'Keep the Change' endeavour Luke mentors people in need to understand better how money works. 

The evening concluded with an auction of a myriad of arts and experiences, masterfully controlled by professional auctioneer Chris Robson and ably assisted by his wife Arlene, with assistance also from Angela Jackson, and Laura Shaw. It was a great way to round off a successful evening. 

Already we are looking ahead to 2024 - Watch this space we will announce the date for this premier event on the social calendar of the Eastern Bay shortly.