Val Lott’s desire to organise another charity dinner for Rest Assured Respite Trust (RART) comes from her own suffering of fibromyalgia, painful arthritis, and from meeting and forming a close friendship with the Trust chair, Wendy Mathews.
Wendy has been bed-bound for many years suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME.
“Despite Wendy’s poor health, I’ve never ceased to be amazed at her incredible resilience to push through helping others with CFS/ME,” Val says.
The ultimate aim of the trust is to provide a respite centre.
“I am so grateful that I can get out and about, promoting this fundraising dinner for such a worthwhile cause,” Val says.
“On one occasion, I was reduced to tears as a lady overheard me talking about ME and offered a gift basket from Simplify My Home.”
Other wonderful offers of vouchers and gift baskets have come from Good Home, Basalt, Lily Whyte, New World Howick, Fresh Choice Half Moon Bay, CACI Howick, 101 Home, Cinnamon Brown and multiple organisations from St Heliers.
“I love Howick and several shops have supported us generously by taking part in this advertisement, and providing me with awesome auction items for the charity dinner.
“Last year’s dinner at The Lounge was a huge success and we know this dinner will also be wonderful.”
The charity dinner will be on Wednesday September 21 at the Lounge in Howick.
There will be brilliant live music from Brian Paladin and Christina Bevan.
To purchase tickets, email Val Lott at lotts@xtra.co.nz or call Val at 0274767003.
