The 2008 Variety Bash
was a huge success with over $340,000 total net funds raised and close to
$200,000 distributed in grants.
Supported by Principal Partner, Trillian Trust, the annual
Variety Bash, travelled from
Wellington
to Rotorua via
the East Coast, from 9 – 15 March 2008.
2008 Bash highlights include
the official send off from the steps of Parliament, outdoor concert at Foxton
Beach and Bash vehicles beach crossing, attempt to beat a Guinness™ World Record
for the largest Water Fight in Napier (which although did not break the record
of 1,173 participants, with just over 600 entries, has set in place a future
challenge for another local community), a Variety talent quest in Wairoa,
Orchard Planting at Tologa Bay Area School (where 60 fruit trees were gifted and
planted- total value over $700) and a Taniwha Festival at Murapara.
The 2008 Variety Bash,
in its 18th year, was attended by over 200 committed Bashers and
celebrities.
The Bash visited 56
schools in cities and remote areas bringing lots of fun, giveways and the chance
to meet celebrities including; “Dancing with the Stars” contestant and NZ Idol
Judge, Megan Alatini, and her sisters, Meryl and Monique (“The Nubian Angelz”);
Actor, Mark Wright; “Westie” Comedian, Ewen Gilmour; TV3’s Constable Bryan &
his “real” Police Dog, Bobby; Cocksy the Builder; Tom Sharplin, Ronald McDonald,
Matai Smith, Australian children’s entertainer, Super Hubert and members of the
Harvey Norman Breakers team.
2008 Variety Bash Grants
Some examples of the major grants given
out during the 2008 Variety Bash include:
Variety
Sunshine Coaches to Wellington Conductive Educations Trust ($68, 223)
and Gisborne Girls High School ($60, 418) and an Insulin
Pump to an eight year old with diabetes from Upper Hutt
($6995)
Variety also
launched New Zealand's first Mobile Liberty Swing during the Bash, funded by
Ford Motor Company. This special swing is desgined for children who use
wheelchairs and can be requested for special events througout New Zealand by
contacting Heather at the Variety office on 09 520 4111.
A special
presentation was also made to Gisborne Hospital for $25,000 for the purchase of
an automated auditory brainstem response machine to test the hearing of
premature babies. Funds for this grant were raised during the 2006 Variety
Annual Appeal and the specialised equipment is now ready to be purchased by the
hospital.
Other grants
were also give out to children and child-related organsiations for Books, music,
play euqipment, uniforms, learning resources, specialised trikes and Plunket car
seats.
2008 Variety Bash Award Winners
These awards
are presented to individuals and teams each year on the Bash and are highly
sought-after.
Congratulations to
the 2008 Bash award winners!
Variety Spirit of the
Bash Award - awarded to the team that epitomises the 'spirit' of the
Bash
Winner -
Mahurangi Tech.
Runner Up -
Team Mooloo
NZ
Post trophy for the Corporate team with the most money raised
Winner -
Ford Rat Pack
NZ
Post trophy for the individual team with the most money raised
Winner - The
Medics Team
The
Office of Commissioner of Children Compassion Award - awarded to an
individual or team that best exemplifies Variety's mission to bring sunshine to
children's lives
Winner - Les
McLaren and the Medics Team
Best
Presented Bash Team Award - awarded to the team with the best costumers
or who consistently wear their Bash uniforms
Winner -
Scooby Crew
Runner Up -
Fish Pot Cafe
'Ford Fun Stop'
Trophy - awarded to the entrant who participates best in the Bash Fun
Stops
Winner -
Mahurangi Tech
Runner Up -
Team Tutakaka
'Bash Finish Line'
Winner - a competitive award for the first Bash Team to cross the
finish line
Winner -
McDonalds
Trillian 'Hard On Gear'
Award - awarded to the team that pushed their vehicle to the abswolute
limit
Winner - The
Painters
Runner Up -
Ford
'Bribery and
Corruption' Award - awarded to the team that demonstrates the most
cunning and sneaky behaviour
Winner - The
Plaster Boys
Runner Up -
Team Cambridge
'FOAM Virgin Bashers'
Award - awarded to a first time Basher or Bash team that fully
participates in true Bash style
Winner -
Team Taniwha
Runner Up -
Nubian Angelz
Best
Presented Bash Vehicle Award - awarded to the team with the best
designed or presented vehicle
Winner -
Hubbards
Runner Up -
Ma and Pa Dottie
The
McDonalds Smile Award - awarded to the smiliest individual or team on
the Bash
Winner -
Team Waikato (Elmo)
Runner Up -
Bartercard
