DIAMOND JUBILEE BALL MAKES £18,000 FOR WATFORD MENCAP
240 people danced and celebrated at Watford Mencap’s Diamond Jubilee Ball at the Watford Hilton on January 29th, raising over £18,000 for the charity’s Children’s Centre.
The black-tie Ball, the first of the charity’s Diamond Jubilee year events, was organised by a dedicated committee, headed by main sponsor Chris Mellor of The Financial Management Group. Other committee members were Colin Barnett of Together Communications, Kate Watts, Sarah Bridgeworth of Deliver Events and Gill Crowson.
The evening began with a sparkling wine reception accompanied by a clarinet quartet from Watford Grammar School for Boys.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal followed by an auction. Lots included tickets to the Royal Box at Twickenham, two luxury holidays in the sun, a one-night stay at The Grove, a necklace donated by Jacksons the Jewellers and lunch at Coutts Bank with Kevin Whateley.
After the main auction, guests took to the floor for dancing to live band Grand Central, who played a mix of numbers to suit all ages. Others chanced their arm at the casino or bid in the silent auction for lots such as tickets for Saracens, and James Bond memorabilia donated by The Prop Store. Sporting stars such as Steve Cram, John Conteh, Josh Lewsey and Alec Stewart had provided signed items which all attracted substantial bids for the charity.
VocaLink, the international payments specialist with offices in Rickmansworth, sponsored the Watford Mencap film that was shown at the event which highlighted the good work of the charity. Chief Executive Officer of VocaLink Marion King, who hosted four tables, said:
‘VocaLink recognises the importance of inspiring young people in our local communities and we were delighted to join the celebrations at the Jubilee Ball. Watford Mencap did a tremendous job in organising this fundraising event and we are proud to offer our continuing support to the team at the Children’s Centre.’
Major sponsors and donors included The Harlequin, Total, Clydesdale Bank, Roberts Newby, Romano Travel, Osprey and Allan Janes Solicitors. Watford MP Richard Harrington also supported the Ball, inviting two lucky auction winners to tea at the House of Commons.
The Ball was truly integrated as Watford Mencap staff, people who use Watford Mencap services and parents and carers of people with a learning disability joined corporate supporters and local well-wishers. Jenny Young, mother of a boy who uses Watford Mencap Children’s Centre, spoke about what the charity means to her and other parents, and guests watched a short film, sponsored by VocaLink, about the Centre which can now be seen here
Watford Mencap Chair Don Eungblut gave a vote of thanks to the committee, guests, sponsors, donors and the staff who had worked so hard to make the event a success. ‘We need to raise £200,000 every year to keep the Children’s Centre going, so this Ball will really make a difference. Government funding is being cut, but there are more and more children with disabilities who need our help.’
For more information about Watford Mencap and the Diamond Jubilee click here.
Posted on Thursday, 10th February 2011