MasterChef Australia judge and food writer Sofia Levin is behind Bid for MND, a silent food and lifestyle auction raising money for MND Victoria.
There are over 90 items up for grabs, including weekends away at Re’em in the Yarra Valley and Royal Mail in Dunkeld, a cocktail masterclass for six at Andrew McConnell’s Apollo Inn, reservations at impossible-to-book restaurants including Chae and Firebird, wine packs and vouchers, a year of bread, beer and coffee from Baker Bleu, Brick Lane and Industry Beans respectively – even a money-can’t-buy backstage experience in the MasterChef studios.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is an incurable, terminal illness that destroys motor neurons in the brain, causing the body to deteriorate and leading to paralysis, the cessation of basic bodily functions such as breathing, and eventually death. Sofia is a “reluctant ambassador” for the disease, sadly losing her wonderful father to it in July this year.
Sofia Levin and her dad, Greg, in the MasterChef studios.
“For people who are going to spend money at restaurants anyway, or who know they are going to buy presents for their loved ones or themselves in the next six months, I urge them to do it through this online auction, because then that money can go towards helping people whose lives have been turned upside-down by motor neurone disease,” Sofia says.The silent auction is being hosted by MW Wine Auctions, and must close at 5pm Monday 23 September. You must register to bid (please allow one business day to activate your subscription) however MW Wine Auctions is forfeiting its usual subscription fee and buyer’s premium for this cause.
The retail value of items start at $55 (and range to priceless), and all reserves are set below market value, so each is an opportunity to land a bargain.
Every single dollar will go to MND Victoria.
HOW YOUR BID HELPS MND PATIENTS
$75 provides a bed cradle to ensure a restful sleep.
$90 could run a support group for those impacted by MND.
$179 provides a nebuliser to assist with crucial respiratory functioning.
$450 supplies an accessibility ramp for home & encourages community
participation.
$950 provides a manual wheelchair to offer freedom and mobility.
$1,600 provides a shower commode that offers dignity & ensures safety.
$2,200 funds an electric riser chair, a crucial source of everyday comfort.
$5,000 provides a hoist & sling to safely move someone with MND.
To view the catalogue and to bid, visit mwwineauctions.com
For more information on MND Victoria, visit mnd.org.au