Emma-Jane’s Proudly Supports the Sam Gattsche Memorial Fundraiser
This year, we were proud to be part of the Sam Gattsche Memorial Fundraiser, supplying our desserts for everyone to enjoy on the night.
The room was buzzing with energy and excitement as guests came together to remember Sam and raise money for a really good cause. The highlight of the night was the reverse raffle, where guests had the chance to win $10,000! Tickets were $100 each, and all proceeds went to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Numbers were eliminated live on big screens until the top 10 ticket holders took the stage for the final draw, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and fun. By the end of the night, the event had raised a massive $32,000, all going to support RMHC and the families they care for.
We’re so proud to have played a small part in a night that brought everyone together and made a real difference.
Remembering Sam Gattsche
Sam Gattsche was a young builder from Palmerston North who tragically passed away from melanoma in 2023 at just 28 years old. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the preciousness of time. His favourite saying, “Life’s a garden, dig it,” lives on through the memorial fundraisers held in his honour, bringing the community together to raise awareness and funds for melanoma research.
The First Fundraiser
What started last year as a simple idea, to bring people together, honour Sam’s memory and raise funds for Melanoma New Zealand, quickly grew into something extraordinary. The initial fundraiser set a modest $10,000 goal, but thanks to an incredible outpouring of support from local businesses and the community, $42,000 was raised. Over 70 melanoma spot checks were carried out, with three people referred for further investigation, lives that may have been changed, or even saved.
This Year’s Cause and the Organisers
Originally planned as a one-off, the event returned this year to support another cause close to the Gattsche family’s hearts: Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand. The organisers, Sam’s brother Michael and his wife Sophie, were inspired to continue the fundraiser after a close family member, Sophie’s cousin Luke suffered a serious motocross accident. RMHC provided the family with accommodation, comfort, and care during this difficult time, allowing them to focus on being together when it mattered most.
"The Ronald McDonald Trust ensured we didn’t have to worry about accommodation. We could just focus on being with Luke before we had to say goodbye. The help we received will never be forgotten."
A Massive Thank You to Gatch Works!
It was great to provide our desserts for the night and be part of such a meaningful event. Seeing everyone come together to support RMHC® made it a truly special evening, and we’re proud to have played a small part in making it happen.
A massive thank you to Gatch Works, who hosted the event and made it all possible. Founded by local brothers Michael and Sam Gattsche, Gatch Works is a trusted building company in Palmerston North, offering services from new home builds to renovations, decks, and fences. With a strong focus on quality craftsmanship and clear communication, they ensure every project runs smoothly. To learn more about their services and team, visit gatchworks.com.
