An art auction and soirée fundraiser to upgrade Coastguard Sumner’s slipway has raised about $20,000. Rockfall and silt have built up at its rescue boat slipway since the earthquakes, severely limiting its ability to launch the all-weather rescue vessel Blue Arrow Rescue. The new permanent slipway is estimated to cost $800,000 to build. The Coastguard Sumner Soiree and Art Auction held at the Sumner Bowling Club last Thursday aimed to raise awareness about the problem and money to fix it. The organisation also received $60,000 in pledges towards its ongoing operational costs. Said president Blair Quane: “It was obviously extremely satisfying to end up with that sort of result from one evening's do. “We’re very thankful that we could get the public support that we did from the event and also be able to raise awareness in the community about the issue.” Crew member Howard Nicholls said it has not decided how much of the $20,000 will go towards the slipway project.…