Thursday 26th May 2011 - Published by Robert Trigg - Communications Executive
Gala Dinner Raises £7,500 for Local Charities
A glitzy Monte Carlo style casino night, held at a Dorset hotel, has raised an incredible £7,500 for charity.
The charity gala dinner, part of the annual Christchurch Food & Wine Festival, took place at Christchurch Harbour Hotel, on Sunday 15th May.
The red carpet was rolled out on the night and guests enjoyed a champagne reception, celebrity film star look-alikes, and a sumptuous four-course dinner.
A charity auction and raffle was held on the evening. The top prize at the casino was an amazing trip to Monaco, with flights and accommodation all included.
Also up for grabs, was a visit to your home from celebrity TV chef Alex Aitken, who would cook the lucky recipient a wonderful meal.
Sponsors of the evening, Cookes Furniture Ltd, donated a £500 voucher for use in-store.
Simon Houghton, Cookes Furniture store manager at Christchurch, said the event had been an overwhelming success:
"It was a fantastic evening, everyone enjoyed the glitz and glamour of a Monte Carlo style event. A number of fantastic prizes were donated, and people were so generous in helping to raise the superb amount of £7,500, ” said Mr Houghton.
“It was a pleasure to sponsor this charity gala dinner, and to be involved in raising money for two local, and very worthwhile charities. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and I think everyone will agree it was a great success." Mr Houghton added.
This money will be split between two local charities, Julia’s House Hospice, and The Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust.
Julia’s House Hospice looks after life-limited children, while The Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust assists people living in the Christchurch area by offering education and training on nutritional health and food preparation.
Cookes Furniture Store Manager Simon Houghton with After Sales Manager Andrew Davies
