A bidding frenzy over 10 blocks of Mainland butter helped drive Food For Love’s most successful fundraising effort yet, with a total of $64,559 raised through a sold-out gala and Bayleys Wānaka’s Plate Up For Love campaign.

The butter auction alone fetched an astonishing $11,500 - believed to be a national fundraising record, surpassing the $10,000 raised from 20 pounds of Anchor-brand butter at an Auckland event in September. 

Food For Love volunteer Di Somerville started with a $5,000 offer, which snowballed as others in the room spontaneously pledged extra amounts from $50 to $1,000 to boost her bid.

“It was such a fun, crazy moment,” Di said. 

“What I loved most was seeing everyone come together to give even more back to Food For Love.”

Held at Edgewater Resort on Friday night (October 31) and hosted in partnership with Bayleys Wānaka, the gala raised almost $55,000 from live and silent auctions, while the Plate Up For Love campaign added another $10,000.

It was “pure community magic”, general manager Jodie Stuart said. 

“The generosity in the room, combined with Bayleys Wānaka’s support, has been amazing.”

Bayleys Wānaka branch manager Loua Boshoff said the company was proud to support a charity that makes “a tangible difference in the Upper Clutha region”.

“Food For Love is a lifeline for many local families,” she said. 

“We’re honoured to support their work and thrilled to see the community respond with such generosity.”

The evening also marked the conclusion of Bayleys’ Plate Up For Love campaign, which saw 19 local eateries donating proceeds from selected dishes throughout September.

Loua announced $10,000 raised and presented awards to Federal Diner (People’s Choice) and Cardrona Hotel (largest contributor).

Guests heard from celebrity chef Nadia Lim, ONZM, and mountaineer Lydia Bradey, ONZM, while local woman Cherie Sloan shared how Food For Love supported her family following her husband’s brain cancer diagnosis.

“Cherie’s story reminded everyone why we do what we do. Behind every meal is a family facing a tough time,” Jodie said.

Since 2016, Food For Love has grown to more than 170 volunteers, delivering over 9,000 home-cooked meals each year to Upper Clutha families in need.

PHOTO: Food For Love