Thanks to Frank for this update from this recent auction. In his own words. Ed
Cowes based sailing charity The Ellen MacArthur trust is toasting success after a fun filled charity event at the BT Tower in London during which a packet of Gingernut biscuits was auctioned for £275
The event raised money for the Trust, which provides sailing experiences for children suffering cancer. Aimed at improving their confidence and providing them with the skills to sail at the same time.
Over £31,000 raised
The day itself started with breakfast for paying guests, then rides up the famous tower in the high speed lifts culminating with a black tie dinner and charity auction in the evening.
A whopping £31,707 was raised, thanks mainly to the fantastic generosity of BT and those donating prizes. However the highlight was the bidding war that broke out for the Gingernuts at the end of the auction.
Quiggers compèred
Charity auctioneer and compère Richard Quigley said, “People are always extremely generous at these events and this was no exception. The earlier items raised a lot of money, but I like to add a fun item at the end which highlights that it’s about what people give and not what they get.
“On this occasion I chose Gingernuts as they are Dame Ellen’s favourite biscuit and an all round good dunker. The audience were great and £275 is such a great amount of money for the charity, especially for biscuits, but to be fair, they were McVities.”
Such a worthwhile event
Patron and round the world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur added, “I started up the trust after having one of my most enjoyable days on a boat in France with children suffering from cancer. It was at that moment I realised the power of giving children, that have hard a pretty rough time, a chance to find their confidence in an activity such as sailing. The effect on the participants is incredible.
“Giving up competitive sailing was quite a tough decision, but after events such as this where people’s generosity is so forthcoming, makes it all worthwhile. The biscuits alone will make a difference for a child.”
Second year for auction
This was the second year the event has been held at the BT tower thanks to the generosity of BT, in particular Gavin Patterson CE of BT retail.
“The whole event was great fun,” added Richard, “but I do worry about the children of the lady who bought the biscuits raiding the treat cupboard in the middle of the night, it works out about £15 a biscuit!”
Image: Phil And Pam under CC BY 2.0
