A star studded charity fundraiser for St Peter’s Hospice, set at the beautiful Badminton School and compered by the sensational Joanna Lumley; the event aimed to raise money for their Room to Care appeal, providing individual rooms for their hospice residents.
After a champagne reception in the blooming gardens guests were called for dinner in the sensational CMC Marquee, the clear window walls making the most of the views and perfectly manicured lawns.
With thanks to the incredible Fosters Event Catering, guests enjoyed a mouth watering meal including smoke salmon mousse and pickled cucumber, roast garlic chicken or pea mint and Parmesan arancini served with roasted tomatoes and fondant potatoes. Dessert, a lemon creme with blueberries and shortbread proved the ideal summer refreshment.
Whilst guests dined, a silent auction was available via iPads, with the leading bid being displayed on rolling TV screens, it wasn’t long before friends became competitors and the bids crept upwards. After dinner, a live auction which included personalised holidays, safari experiences and hand made jewellery ensured the tent was filled with rapturous cheering and excitement.
Guests were able to enjoy a night packed with emotional content; with several guest speakers providing stories that were equal in heartbreak and inspiration, short films showcasing the importance of the hospice and the impact it’s new individual bedrooms will make. The talented team from Bristol Old Vic Theatre were on hand to provide some brilliant entertainment in the form of a flash mob of singing waiters.
Whilst the evening had a clear and important cause, the atmosphere in the marquee was positive, joyful and overwhelmingly inspired. Joanna’s exquisite story telling had all the guests captivated were her tales of travelling, time spent on set with very famous friends and her own personal affiliation with St Peters. Thanks to her humour and excellent comparing, St Peter’s raised a staggering £107,500 for the appeal.
You can read about another charity fundraiser, this time for the Prince’s Trust here.