2:41pm Monday 12th December 2011
With a little help from their friends, local children’s charity, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, raised over £100,000 at their 14th Annual Ball held on 3rd December at The Mere. This year’s theme was The Rat Pack, taking their guests back to the glitz and glamour of the 50’s – and they had a list of stars that would have made Frank, Dean and Sammy proud!
CAFT Patrons, and ex-Coronation Street stars Lee Boardman and Jennifer James, were joined by fellow Patrons Jason and Catherine Manford and Paralympic double gold medallist Barney Storey. Jason counted amongst his guests fellow funny men John Bishop and Justin Moorhouse. Actors Sally Lindsay and Suranne Jones were also joined by drummer Steve White and Mr Christmas himself – Noddy Holder!
Comedian Ted Robbins hosted the evening which was sponsored by M & S Money, they were also joined by event sponsors Lewis Phipps Lettings and Management. Guests were greeted by staff and volunteers from The Adventure Farm all dressed in Rat Pack themed costumes including their trademark white shirts, pencil ties and fedoras. A drinks reception kicked off the evening in style with Vegas themed cocktails and bubbly. An amazing evening followed which included a Grand Auction and special raffles including some unique and jaw-dropping prizes – including a magical Mauritius holiday, a delicious meal prepared at home by Michelin star chef Aiden Byrne and a stunning portrait of the charity’s President Sir Bobby Charlton signed by the man himself!
The charity’s signature Chocolate Box Raffle saw one lucky guest winning a stunning diamond necklace donated by Steven Stone Ltd who attended on the night, with 10 runners up all going away with a magnum of Bubbly!
CAFT Patrons Lee Boardman and Jennifer James and Jason and Catherine Manford joined forces to give a moving speech to the assembled guests inspiring 25 people to pledge to sponsor a holiday in 2012 for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children at The Adventure Farm.
Events fundraiser Pippa Watton comments: “This has been another tough year for everyone as the recession has continued to hit many of our supporters hard. However, our guests at the Ball, and at other events, have been amazing, digging deep to help us to change the lives of the very special children who visit us here at The Adventure Farm. We really can’t thank them enough, without them we would simply cease to exist.”
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