So we had a ball!!
On 3rd September I officially sent out the invites to the Wings of Kilimanjaro charity ball. I had no raffle prizes, no auction prizes, no funds for printing, no dj, no auctioneer, no photographer and no idea how I was going to pay for a drinks reception/decoration etc…. But what I did have was a venue and a plan!
The plan was pretty simple – to have a great night and raise lots of money for Treetops Hospice and for the charities that Wings of Kilimanjaro is supporting (The One Foundation, Plant with Purpose & Worldserve).
Most importantly what I do have are amazing friends, family and people around me and this was the key to last Friday’s success.
You see what happened was ….
Emma said to me, “Mate, no problem, we’ll sort it”.
My good friend Woodey Gundry took charge of the artwork. He’s a talented boy!
My mum’s good friend Stephanie donated a signed Red arrows poster for the auction.
One of my best friends Max said his company would cover the drinks reception and table wine.
Powertraveller became the balls main supporter and also offered table centre pieces, raffle & auction prizes & printing facilities.
Rab also supported and offered prizes (not just any prize either, a handmade unique Rab duvet!) and printing services.
My friends and family began buying tickets and selling more tickets, getting full tables and rallying support.
Adam Hill donated a Tandem paragliding flight to the auction (which was so appropriate given the nature of Wings of Kilimanjaro!)
The resident DJ at Risley Hall reduced his rates as it was a charity do.
My old school friends dad, a professional auctioneer, said he’d be happy to provide his services at the auction on the night.
Herman Buchan offered not just one but several fantastic holidays in the Aosta Valley to give away as prizes.
Rachel Twig from The Secret Garden donated a raffle prize but also gave every single guest a voucher as a gift!
Sam Reed a very talented photographer came on board at a very reasonable rate to provide photos of the event.
Jack Rabbits donated a stunning hamper for the raffle.
Friends donated brilliant items to the auction and raffle.
Diane made a spectacular cake!
Then when I wasn’t in the slightest bit ready for the night in terms of what I was going to wear, Karen lent me a dress, Zella did my hair and mum brought me a pilot’s cap!
The reason I wanted to tell you how it happened is because I recognised and wanted to acknowledge that this was not something I achieved on my own… I was just part of a bigger group of people who made this happen.
The prospect of fund raising for charity is not easy but I think if you keep in your mind – doing something is always better than doing nothing and raising anything is better than raising nothing – then you can’t fail.
It was an absolutely brilliant night, thank you to everyone who supported and everyone who came. Once all the money is collected in it is looking like we will have raised just over £10,000! A fantastic amount of money that will make a huge difference.
The full album can be viewed by clicking this link –
Wings of Kilimanjaro Charity Ball supported by Powertraveller
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