Chiefs raise $133k for woman with breast cancer

Rhonda and Regan Hall. Supplied photos.

The Chiefs Rugby Club has rallied together to raise more than $133,000 for Rhonda Hall.

Rhonda is the wife of Gallagher Chiefs Performance Analyst Regan Hall.

She was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer two years ago in 2018 and while things were progressing positively, unfortunately after recent tests it has come back and spread.

A total of $133,810 was raised when the team hosted a Poker Night at Sky City Hamilton instead of their traditional Club Awards Dinner last week.

Rhonda and Regan have been part of the Chiefs whānau since Regan began with the Gallagher Chiefs in 2012.

Regan is well-known for his efforts behind the camera, coding and supplying data and statistics for analysis and is a key part of the Gallagher Chiefs team.

The Poker Night included a live auction featuring framed British and Irish Lions memorabilia donated by Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Warren Gatland (auctioned for $17,000), alongside 2019 Rugby World Cup All Black jerseys from All Blacks Captain Sam Cane and teammate Brodie Retallick.

Gallagher Chiefs jerseys, accommodation, massages, and more were on offer as a part of the evening's silent auction. In total the silent auction raised $30,740 for the cause.

Regan Hall says the generosity received is unbelievable.

'It was such an amazing night and Rhonda and I were so grateful for the generosity and support we have received. Just how much support we have was evident on Tuesday with an amazing turnout.”

'We can't thank Kate and the Club enough for all the effort they have put into organising the event as well as everyone who donated items, helped on the night and those who bid on some amazing items. A big thank you for Warren for his generosity in the items he donated as well as Sam and Brodie for parting with prized Rugby World Cup jerseys.

'Standing in front of the haka towards the end of the night was one memory we will never forget and was awe inspiring. The funds raised from the evening are going to give us a number of options both in New Zealand and possibly overseas, we can now focus on beating this terrible disease."

Chiefs Rugby Club General Manager Commercial Kate Shirtcliff says it was a privilege for the Club to be able to host the event.

'It has been outstanding to see our Club rally together to get this result for Regan and Rhonda. Even on the day of the event, we were still receiving phone calls and players donating items.

"It was great to have the support from our sponsors, including Harcourts auctioneer Brian King. His performance was outstanding, encouraging the room to open their wallets for a worthy cause.

"Seeing him auction off a haka from our Gallagher Chiefs players for $6,000 was incredible. The night was the epitome of Chiefs Mana and we are thrilled with the result.”

Shirtcliff continued acknowledging those who contributed and supported the event.

'The event would not have been possible without the support from Jimmy Gifford who orchestrated the Poker tournament on the evening.

"The Waikato Workingmen's Club for donating the poker tables, chips and their time. Sky City Hamilton for the venue and catering. The Cocktail Cart for their services and generous contribution. SBI Production for their visual and audio services and finally Gallagher Chief Angus Ta'avao for being the evening's MC."

To continue to support Rhonda's journey, donations are welcomed via the ‘Rally Around Rhonda' Give a Little page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/rally-around-rhonda

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