Regular VB readers will remember us banging on about the Pickled Onion Festival earlier in the year. So when Lee Taylor (he of Haiti Earthquake fundraising fame) got in touch to ask if we could put out an appeal to VB readers, we were more than happy to oblige. Ed
This event started ten years ago with two gents having a heated discussion at the bar over who could make the best pickled onions!
Later that week they both brought in a sample of their own and asked a few of the regulars at the hotel bar to judge for them, the winner would get half a pint of lager.
Raising money for Childrens’ Liver Disease Foundation
Ten years on it has grown into a monster of an event with over 40 entries last year and raising at total of over £27,000 for the Childrens’ Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) through raffles and charity auctions.
The Charity is close to the hearts of all involved, especially the original gent who was arguing over the onions as his grandson was born with a liver deficiency and had to undergo intensive treatment from a very early age. The CLDF were no end of help to him and his family and from that moment on we vowed to raise as much cash as we could for the charity.
Auction prizes donated
The auction is always a highlight of the day with Kevin and myself taking over the restaurant and squeezing every last penny out of the general public whilst having some good fun.
The lots are all donated and we try not to spend any money at all on the prizes or lots, everything we get is kindly donated from both national and local companies, ranging from a free tank of petrol to a holiday or a team signed Chelsea FC shirt.
Appeal for prizes
I would like to ask if there are any local businesses that would be willing to help us by donating either a product or service that can be used in our auction.
Please get in touch via VB if you can help.
All the money raised goes to a fantastic cause and a letter of authenticity can be produced if you so require.
I look forward to seeing you all there on the 30th January 2011.
