Lord Coe Gala Dinner Raises £25,000
The great and the good attended the Lord Coe Gala Dinner hosted by The Mercure London Watford part of the Jupiter Hotel Group and supported by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, on Thursday 14th March.
Lord Coe talked about our “culture of volunteering” and how the “Big Society is already happening in Watford”. He also reflected on the success of the Paralympics, changing public perceptions to disability and the inspiration that it has provided to others.
The generosity of local businesses and individuals ensured the evening raised over £25,000 for Watford Mencap. Although affiliated to national Mencap, Watford Mencap is a local independent charity covering Watford Three Rivers and Hertsmere so this is an amazing success for them. The amount will cover the costs of 15 children with learning disabilities to attend after school activities for one night a week for the next year, giving their parents a much needed break and time to spend with their other children.
Simon Smith, General Manager and Carol Bates, Sales Manager of the hotel both commented on how excellent the evening was and that the hotel will continue to support Watford Mencap and the excellent work they do in the local community.
Liz Hizli, Community Fundraiser said: ‘We at Watford Mencap are in awe of the support received from corporations based in Watford such as Santander, Baker Tilly, VocaLink, who sponsored the Champagne Reception, solicitor’s IBB and Matthew Arnold Baldwin. We would also like to extend a big Thank You to Barefoot Wines who donated all the wine.
The evening would not have been possible without the help of all the volunteers, some of whom were GamesMakers enjoying a reason to don their uniforms again. Thank you also to Denise Ward who volunteered her services as MC for the evening’.
Posted on Monday, 25th March 2013