Many thanks to Suzanne for sending through her an update for us of how the auction went last weekend. Ed
The Grand Auction & Autumn Picnic hosted by Ventnor Rotary and St Catherine’s on Sunday was amazingly successful.
Over 200 guests joined the event at Cowes Yacht Haven. The afternoon commenced with a warm welcome from HM Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White.
All the guests then enjoyed a picnic lunch to the fantastic music of the Isle of Wight Youth Stage Band and the commencement of the Silent Auction. A fun Heads & Tails followed with the successful individual winning a weekend break with a hotel of choice within the Kew Group.
Warren Riches from Island Auction Rooms commenced the widely-anticipated main auction. With 30 amazing items there was heated bidding from the room, commission bids and indeed telephone bids.
An interval was provided with Blues band – The Hillmans – and some guests took the opportunity to take to the floor.
Main Auction items included two VIP tickets for Mamma Mia including a backstage tour and an overnight stay at Browns Hotel, a selection of amazing holidays including Florida, Provence and Les Orres, A day in the kitchen with Island Chef of the Year Alan Staley with an overnight stay at The Royal Hotel Ventnor, a tour at Film and TV location Pinewood Studios, a beautiful limited edition print from Island artist Myles Mence, Bestival 2010 tickets and a selection of wonderful meals and wines.
The event itself raised well over £10,000 for children’s charities supported by Ventnor Rotary and for St Catherine’s, a national charity based in Ventnor working with children and young people with communication impairments.
As John Whitehouse from Ventnor Rotary, explained, “The day was fantastic. We cannot thank everyone enough including the Lord Lieutenant, Cowes Yacht Haven, Isle of Wight Youth Stage Band, Warren Riches, all the companies and individuals who supported us and everyone who attended.”
Aimee Steward, from St Catherine’s added “It has been a pleasure working with Ventnor Rotary and the day’s success demonstrates how two charitable organisations with friends and supporters can truly make a difference for children and young people.”
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