Stevenage Community Trust Annual Dinner and Dance 2018
2nd November 2018
On Friday 2nd November 2018, local businesses and supporters of Stevenage Community Trust came together for our annual black tie dinner and dance at The Priory in Little Wymondley. Guests enjoyed fine wine, courtesy of the Wine Society, and canapes on arrival followed by a sumptuous three-course meal. Chair of the Trust, Robert Stewart welcomed guests and thanked them for their support. He gave special thanks to Claire Austin from Austin’s Funeral Directors for shaving her hair off earlier this year in aid of the Trust. Claire presented the Trust with a cheque for an amazing £12,000 from the donations people had made in recognition of her efforts. Our fabulous compere Tony Strange ensured guests were kept in high spirits throughout the evening with his quick-thinking wit and animated personality. His portrayal of Henry V111 was highly entertaining and attracted much laughter from the audience.
On a more serious note, John Archer, CEO of Headway Hertfordshire, spoke about the important service they provide to local people with an acquired brain injury and how vital the funds they have received from Stevenage Community Trust have been to support their work. Reverend Mervyn Terrett also praised the work of the Trust and gave an insight into how the children at Tracks Autism have benefitted from the Trust’s support over the years.
There were some amazing lots up for auction including a day cruising on the Solent aboard a fully staffed yacht courtesy of Adrian and Jennie Hawkins from Weldability SIF, a week’s stay at a luxury villa in Majorca thanks to Simon and Pam Galbraith of Redgate Software, tickets to join Ken and Barbara Follett in their private box at Glyndebourne - one of the greatest opera houses in the world and an exclusive four course dinner at The Wine Society accompanied by a selection of fine wines.
To end the evening, Trustee and President Ken Follett and his band, ClogIron put on a spectacular performance which had guests up dancing until the early hours.
In our 25th anniversary year we were thrilled to raise £25,000 at our dinner and dance, in our 26th year we raised £26,000 and in our 27th year we surpassed our target and raised a staggering £28,000! Continuing the trend, we hoped to break the fundraising record in our 28th year and raise in excess of £28,000 at this one event. We were therefore overwhelmed when the final total exceeded all expectations and a staggering £33,000 was raised for the Trust. Our guests generosity did not end there, we also managed to raise an additional £900 towards the 2018 Poppy Appeal which we will donate to the Royal British Legion. These amazing achievements have only been possible thanks to the wonderful support we receive from generous individuals and local businesses who see the difference Stevenage Community Trust makes to the lives of those less fortunate.
Special thanks to our main event sponsors; Ken and Barbara Follett, Stevenage Packaging Ltd, Wagstaffs Chartered Accountants, The Wine Society, HRJ Foreman Laws and Ian Campbell.
