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A Cowes car dealership's gala has raised tens of thousands of pounds for three Isle of Wight charities.
Saturday night (8) saw Esplanade transform its car showroom into a glamorous event venue.
Around 120 guests all dressed in black tie for the evening. A total of £30,000 was raised and is being divided between Kissy Puppy, UKSA and IW Sports Foundation.
Sales Director David Weston said:
"Working in partnership with Foresters Hall and Robert Thompson we are absolutely delighted to have been able to hold this event in our showroom.
"Raising money for such worthy Isle of Wight Charities is so important to us and we are grateful we are in the position to be able to create these links to our local community."
A three-course meal was cooked and provided by Robert Thompson Chef Patron of Foresters Hall (formerly North House).
In between courses everyone took the time to listen to presentations from representatives from each of the three charities.
Firstly, Gemma Blamire spoke about the work Kissy Puppy, The Sophie Rolf Fund does in her daughters’ memory to improve care for other children with cancer on the Island.
Next Claire Beasley spoke about the important role the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation plays in supporting local teams and individuals in their sporting pursuits.
Finally, Ben Willows Director of UKSA, spoke about how the Year 6 Test the Water Sailing programme which gives all 10-year-old children on the island the chance to try sailing for a day is such an important opportunity for children to have.
The event was extremely well supported by Isle of Wight businesses with many generous donations of raffle prizes and auction lots.
The auction was held by world renown auctioneer Nick Bonham and his experience soon whipped the crowd into a bidding frenzy with bids reaching £200 for a bouquet of flowers donated by Bay Tree Florist, £1,200 for a VIP Weekend at Tapnell Farm and £700 for a 9- course tasting menu at Foresters Hall.
The final lot was a ‘Meal for 8 cooked in your home by Robert Thompson’, Nick Bonham worked the room and the outcome resulted in a standing ovation when Robert generously agreed to sell this lot to the 2 highest bidders at £6,500 each.
The evening ended with everyone having fun at the bar, casino, magic mirror and disco.
It takes the total raised for Island charities over the last five galas to £97,470.