DOs Vanessa Cumming and John Ruby pay up big for very small dog

When has a tiny toy puppy ever raised $2000 for charity? When MC Stephen Caunter turns auctioneer and coaxes money from delegates to support Blind Low Vision NZ’s (BLVNZ’s) Guide Dog Services.

After hearing that Wellington DO and BLVNZ board member John Billings had sold all but one of his $20 fluffy pups, Caunter decided to test the generosity of the room and put the last one under the hammer.

Bids began modestly, with murmurs rippling through the crowd as the bids climbed past $80. Gasps then followed when Vanessa Cumming sent it soaring, sparking a spirited bidding war with John Ruby. The hammer finally came down and they both offered to donate ($500 and $560, respectively) and, with others chipping in, the grand total reached $2,000.

“Thank you so much – I’m just so flabbergasted,” said a delighted Billings. Hats off to the donors and to Caunter – Tasman Rugby Referees administrator, public speaker, business trainer and long-time friend of ADONZ – for a job well done.