At TOOP+TOOP, supporting the South Australian community is an integral part of our business.

TOOP+TOOP Owner/Director of Residential Sales, Bronte Manuel, and fellow auctioneer Vincent Doran recently had the opportunity to assist Ronald McDonald House Charities SA (RMCH SA) at their En Blanc Long Lunch.

Held at the National Wine Centre, the sold-out event asked guests to ‘share a meal for families in need’.

RMHC SA provides accommodation support for families living outside of the city who have a child with a serious illness, injury or disability.

Ronald McDonald House South Australia is spread across two sites directly opposite each other in North Adelaide. They provide families with a comfortable place to stay, as well as peace of mind, knowing they can be together while remaining close to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The main House sleeps up to 10 families in single room accommodation. The second building is an apartment-style facility containing 10 two-bedroom self-contained units, best suited to families staying for longer periods of time.

Manuel and Doran conducted the charity auction at the En Blanc Long Lunch, as well as helping to co-ordinate guest pledges. Each pledge of $2000 was enough to support a South Australian family for a week while they were away from home with their child in hospital.

“It was a wonderful event, and we were thrilled to play a small part in its success,” Doran said.

“We had more than 20 groups pledge $2000 each, so that was very satisfying.

“And the charity auction went really well, too.

“I think we ended up selling eight items.

“For me, the highlight was the auction of a painting by one of the children whose family had been supported by Ronald McDonald House.

“There was a lot of bidding and we eventually knocked it down for $5500. It was a great result.”