The Dean Gifford Celebrity Gala

Dean Gifford is always asking for help... but never for himself

Senior Police Constable Dean Gifford has a knack when it comes to convincing people to give their time, goods and even their money. But it’s never been for himself.

You see, Dean’s a doer. He’s the kind of bloke who identifies a need and has to do something about it. He just can’t help himself!

It all started in 2004 when Dean saw a photo of a young smiling Solomon Island boy dressed in rags. The child was standing in a group alongside a New Zealand police officer. Something about that child struck a chord with Dean and he felt compelled to do something to help.

Seven years on and Dean has successfully organised the safe delivery of over 5½ tonnes of medical supplies, toys, clothing, stationery, sporting goods, paint and other donations to the Solomon Islands.

In 2006 Dean’s own life took a turn in a direction he and his family never expected. He was diagnosed with an Anapolastic Oligoastrocytoma – a brain tumour.

The former NPC rugby player had just finished a semi-final match for his club in August that year when he felt light-headed. He drove himself to an After Hours clinic and by the time he got there could barely manage to speak. Twelve hours later they knew they were dealing with a large tumour.

Brain surgery, followed by weeks of radiation treatment made him a regular visitor to Wellington Hospital. Anybody else would have (and should have) focused their attention on themselves during such a difficult time, but not Dean. While at the hospital he would venture into the children’s ward and befriend the child cancer patients fighting the same battle as he was. Dean is now a regular visitor to the children’s ward and he never turns up alone. Sometimes he’ll bring along his police dog squad friends, his dive squad mates or even the armed offenders unit. On other occasions he’s surprised the children with the All Blacks, helicopter flights or limousine rides to Weta Workshops.

His selfless good works, despite trying times in his own life, have been duly acknowledged. He has been recognised by TVNZ as “A Good Sort”, was a 2010 NZ Herald and P & O Cruises Unsung Hero recipient and is a worthy 2011 Kiwibank Local Heroes Medal winner. Wellington Children’s Hospital recognised him at Government House earlier this year by making him an inaugural “Friend” of Wellington Children’s Hospital.

DEAN NEEDS YOUR HELP AGAIN

In July this year, Dean, his wife Penny and their two young children were hit with news they hoped they’d never hear; the tumour has begun to grow again. Having exhausted radiation treatment, Dean is now taking an expensive course of cancer drugs to give him a fighting chance.
Dean deserves the opportunity to put all his energy into the fight… so now it’s time to give back to Dean.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Dean Gifford Celebrity Gala will take place at:
THE WELLINGTON TOWN HALL on SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER.

It’s a night when we will celebrate Dean, enjoy fantastic food and entertainment while raising money to support Dean and his family during a difficult time.

SPONSORSHIP

Would you like to lend a hand to help make the night a success? Become a Gala sponsor by donating goods, services or money to help us make it a night to remember.

AUCTION

We’re looking for donations of quality goods and services to be auctioned off on the night during either the grand auction or silent auction.

BE A GALA GUEST

Dress in your finest and come along on the night. You can get a group of friends or clients together and have your own table, or we will introduce you to some of Dean’s other good mates.

If you can help… or would like to buy a ticket ($99), please contact:
Ben Quinn - 0274192875
Erin Moyle - 0274 219715
or email: DGCG1211@gmail.com