Auctioneer Brayden Coldicutt with the block of butter that sold for more than $2000. Photo: Supplied
A block of butter has sold for a whopping $2200 at a charity auction in support of Women's Refuge.
A standard 500 gram block of butter sells in the supermarkets for around $10, making the charity auction butter 220 times more expensive.
The humble block of butter became New Zealand's most expensive grocery item at the second annual Elephant Hill Gala Dinner and Charity Auction on Saturday night in Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay.
The quirky auction highlight led by auctioneer Brayden Coldicutt of Harcourts, was just one of the bids that helped raise a record-breaking $60,000-plus for Family VIP Services, providers of Women's Refuge in Napier and Hastings.
The butter was the very last item, added as a bonus after 12 live auction lots. There were multiple bids placed for that item, before it was won by Colourcraft managing director Peter Gerbes.
Family VIP Services business manager Julie Hart said the night also saw a spectacular $10,000 bid for a catered lunch at Kopanga Homestead.
Hart said the bid added to the excitement of "an evening filled with generosity, fine food, and celebration".
"This year's gala more than doubled last year's fundraising total, showing just how strongly our community stands behind our cause," Hart said.
"We are so grateful for the incredible support, from our auction donors and sponsors, to everyone who attended."
A standard 500 gram block of butter retails for about $10 on average. Photo: Margaret Jaszowska for Unsplash
The guest list grew from 90 in the gala's first year to more than 200 this year, with tickets selling out well in advance.
Guests enjoyed cocktails, a three-course menu by chef Ben Cruse, matched wines, and entertainment before the live and silent auctions.
The Hastings and Napier women's refuges supported more than 1000 referrals and provided more than 2000 safe bed nights last year, Hart said.
Hart said profits raised would go directly to crisis accommodation, advocacy, and long-term support for local women, men and children affected by family violence.
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