Garage Sale Fundraiser Raises More Than $3,000 For Good Cause

A successful garage sale organised by ILT has so far raised more than $3,200, with organisers delighted by the strong community support.

The event, held on 28 February, brought together supporters, volunteers and bargain hunters for a great cause the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

A total of $3,273 was raised through the garage sale alone, which will be added to the team’s tally of $1,135. This total includes contributions from the Ascot Park Hotel team, as well as individual’s efforts.

That figure is expected to grow further once collection buckets placed around ILT venues are returned later this week.

One of the day’s more memorable moments came when a familiar face from the region’s hospitality history stopped by.

Val Tither, a long-time former employee of ILT, visited the garage sale while holidaying in New Zealand from Australia.

Tither shared stories from her time working in local hospitality, including her years with ILT.

“Val was a real pioneer for women in hospo and made a huge contribution to the industry here,” ILT Chief Executive Chris Ramsay said.

Her career included roles at the Northern, the RSA, and the Clifton during the 1980s, where she helped establish the Clifton Club’s Ramblers group. She later went on to become the first female manager of the Masonic, breaking new ground for women in the industry.

Her visit also revealed a connection to the cause behind the fundraiser. During her time working in hospitality, Tither had also raised more than $3,000 for the Cancer Society, supporting the same cause.

LT’s focus now turns to the main event this Saturday at ILT Stadium Southland, where team members will walk from 10am to 10pm ensuring their mascot Ilton keeps moving for the entire 12 hours event.

“We’re really proud to see our team out there walking the talk and getting behind a cause that matters so much to Southlanders.” Mr Ramsay said.