For one night each year, the McKenzie & Willis Dunedin showroom is a dining destination.

Furniture settings become elegant dining spaces, guests arrive with a sense of anticipation, and a dedicated team works behind the scenes to create an experience unlike any other. As the Dunedin Supper Club celebrated its 15th anniversary this year, we spoke with Kathryn Corry, Branch Manager at McKenzie & Willis Dunedin, about what makes the event so special, the teamwork involved in bringing it to life, and why supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand remains at the heart of everything they do.

A Night Built on Community and Connection

Unlike a traditional fundraising dinner, the Dunedin Supper Club is designed to surprise guests from the moment they arrive. The event brings together businesses, organisations and community supporters from across the region, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and exciting.

Many attendees have supported the event for years, helping to build a strong sense of tradition and community around the occasion. While new faces join each year, there is a loyal group of returning supporters who continue to champion the cause and contribute to its ongoing success.

For McKenzie & Willis, this was the fourth year of hosting a Supper Club dinner, and each year provides an opportunity to refine and enhance the experience.

Supporting Families Through Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand

The purpose behind the evening is what makes it truly meaningful.

Funds raised through the Dunedin Supper Club help support Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, which provides accommodation and practical support for families travelling away from home while their child receives medical care. Dunedin alone has raised over $3.5 million for the charity.

For the Dunedin team, being involved in an event that directly benefits families during some of their most challenging moments is incredibly rewarding.

"It is quite special to be involved in such a large community event," says Kathryn. "Dunedin does fundraising right, and we're very lucky to be part of it."

The event showcases the generosity and community spirit that Dunedin is known for, bringing people together to make a genuine difference in the lives of others.

A Partnership Built on Local Values

Food plays an important role in the Supper Club experience, and the partnership with local caterers, Precinct Foods, reflects a shared commitment to quality and community.

Having grown from humble beginnings near the McKenzie & Willis Dunedin store into one of the city's most respected catering businesses, Precinct has built a strong reputation for creating memorable dining experiences and delivering exceptional hospitality.

Their focus on quality ingredients, innovation and customer experience aligns perfectly with the atmosphere the Supper Club aims to create.

Designing the Menu

Creating a dining experience within a furniture showroom requires careful planning. Precincts team developed a menu specifically suited to the unique venue, ensuring dishes can be served efficiently while maintaining a premium experience for guests.

This year's menu featured a vibrant mix of flavours, from bao buns and sticky soy chicken wings through to twice-cooked beef short ribs, glazed lamb skewers and a striking Yuzu & Citrus Baked Alaska for dessert.

With food prepared off-site and finished at the showroom, every detail is carefully considered to ensure guests enjoy restaurant-quality dining in an unexpected setting.

Transforming the Showroom

While guests see a beautifully styled dining space, a significant amount of planning happens behind the scenes.

The team has learned valuable lessons with each event, continually refining the layout to create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Selecting the right furniture settings, arranging table placements and ensuring smooth service all contribute to the night's success.

The event also highlights exactly what McKenzie & Willis furniture is designed for: bringing people together around the table.

From styling and table presentation through to guest gifts and event coordination, every team member plays an important role. According to Kathryn, it is very much a collective effort, with staff across the store contributing their skills to ensure everything runs seamlessly.

The Details Guests Remember

Guests are treated to thoughtfully prepared goodie bags filled with products kindly donated by suppliers, adding an extra layer of generosity and appreciation to the event.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees often reluctant to leave at the end of the evening. It is a testament to the welcoming atmosphere, exceptional hospitality and sense of connection that the Supper Club creates year after year.

McKenzie & Willis would also like to extend sincere thanks to out suppliers who contributed to this year's goodie bags and auctions, such as, MM Linen, Tempur, David Shaw, Textilia, Sealy, Santa Fe, Flower Systems and James Dunlop. Their support helps make the event an even more memorable experience for guests while contributing to the overall fundraising effort.

Memorable Moments Along the Way

After four years of hosting, Kathryn says every Supper Club brings its own memorable stories.

Some moments are carefully planned, while others are completely unexpected. This year's standout involved a spectacular flaming dessert that became slightly more dramatic than intended, creating one of those behind-the-scenes memories that will no doubt be talked about for years to come.

Fortunately, the evening continued without incident, adding another chapter to the growing history of the event.

Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

The Dunedin Supper Club continues to be a highlight on the local fundraising calendar, and its success reflects the generosity of the businesses, supporters, volunteers and partners who make it possible.

As the event continues to grow across New Zealand, the Dunedin team remains proud to play a role in delivering an evening that combines great food, thoughtful hospitality and meaningful fundraising.

For McKenzie & Willis, it is more than just hosting a dinner. It is an opportunity to bring people together, strengthen community connections and help support families when they need it most.

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