In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand In Gear - Issue 3 | Page 40

tastebuds of thousands upon
thousands at three or four
major events annually, as
well as weddings.
just what we can do as a
team.
“To do events of this size,
though, there is a lot of
planning. Here in Wanaka,
we have a small, highly-
skilled team that works
through each event and
creates a carefully laid-out
plan. And, we’re big on
constant improvement –
after each catering job we
debrief, and that helps make
it run smoother the next
time.
“For us, there is no down side
because we work on a cost-
of-food, plus cost-of-hire and
a donation to Rotary basis,”
Clayton says.
The club tends to make
about $10,000 out of events,
and around $4000 from
weddings.
“We create a benefit to the
groups that we work for,
“We only get there by careful
because we’re considered
planning … each member
Clayton Hope
a ‘taxable donation for
knows exactly what their job
services’, and everyone gets the ‘feel-good factor’
is and has an outline of how to do it. There are a few
aligning with Rotary, knowing that the money’s going
times we all have to find second gear.
back into helping our community.
“What’s really important is that we always have a lot
“The funds we raise through our catering arm all go
of fun – in fact, there aren’t many at our club who
towards great projects. Last year was ‘Lab in a Box’ and
don’t put their hand up to chip in, because it’s a great
chemistry sets for local schools. In the past, we’ve also
experience all round, and members get to learn a few
donated interactive white boards.
new tricks. And, who doesn’t enjoy cooking, or eating?”
“The relationships we
build through this are
so strong, our catering
clients often join us on
other projects, as well.”
What’s really important
is that we always have
a lot of fun ...”
Catering is an area, he
says, he’d like to see
more clubs explore – but
only if they have the
industry knowledge, skill sets, time and commitment
within their membership to scope and deliver quality
food on such a large scale.
“It’s not just a profitable fundraiser, catering gets
Rotary in front of corporates and out in the public eye
at major events in a positive and creative light, showing
Clayton Hope,
Rotary Club of Wanaka
Two of the Wanaka
club’s signature catering
events remain Challenge
Wanaka and the Wanaka
A & P Show, during which
the Rotarians cater for
two corporate lunches,
cooking for 2000 in total
over the weekend.
“To give you an idea of the work involved, for the
Challenge breakfast we go through 2700 eggs, 110kg
of bacon, 100 kg of breakfast sausages, 50kg of baked
beans and 2000 croissants,” Clayton says.
“For just one of the sites alone at the A & P show, we
cook up 150kg of beef striploin, 1200 beef patties and
over 60kg of venison.”
At the A & P show, diners
queue at the tent from the
moment Clayton and his
team open until closing
time. At the height of the
busy period, they line up
for 30 minutes, such is the
Rotarians’ reputation for
putting on a feast.
The Rotary Club of Wanaka’s Celia Waser collects a bain-marie,
while Jarrod Frazer and Rosie Burridge share a quick laugh.
“The greatest compliment
we get from the major
events we cater for is that
we’re asked back to do it all
over again year after year.”
Page 40 | In Gear - Rotary in southern New Zealand - District 9980 | www.rotarydistrict9980.org