The grocery industry once again came together for Caravan’s annual Diamond Ball, the first national fundraiser of 2010 for the grocery industry charity.
The event was a “huge success, and thanks to the generosity of who attended, the money raised exceeded all expectations” and will continue to help look after the charity’s beneficiaries during 2010.
Caravan looks after some 1,850 beneficiaries and their dependants, and the charity’s fundraising efforts are all about generating the necessary income to look after the growing number of former colleagues who look to Caravan for support in their time of need.
More than £1.8m of the money raised last year was spent on welfare support; from the annual payment of £778 to one-off emergency grants for new cookers and wheelchairs.
The Diamond Ball was attended by many key industry figures with the welcome speech given by Mark Price, managing director of Waitrose and president of the Caravan Fundraising Committee, who thanked everyone who had contributed to the evening.
During the evening, Caravan recognised the contribution of a significant number of volunteers who have given their time for at least 10 years to help the charity in its work.
The Caravan Hall of Fame is the charity’s way of saying thank you to all these committed volunteers.
This year, Caravan was pleased to welcome a further eight new members – John Black (SHS Sales & Marketing), Alan Bradley (2 Save Energy), Martin Hulse (Plasto-Sac UK), Andy Lowles (Premier Foods), Neil McNicol (McCurrach), Gordon Parris (former Waitrose), Tony Smith (former Unilever) and Tim Stevens (Waitrose).
The fundraising achievements of the Ball would not have been reached without the generosity of all the companies who kindly donated raffle prizes and table gifts.
A thank you went to the major sponsors: Allied Bakeries, Arla, Asda, Campina, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Diageo GB, Kraft Foods, Nestlé UK, Pepsico International, Premier Foods, P&G, R&R Ice Cream, Unilever and Warburtons.
We would like to thank Fayrefield Foods for sponsoring the Diamond Draw; Waitrose and Diageo GB for sponsoring the reception, and Pernod Ricard UK, R&R Ice Cream and Costa Coffee for supplying the after-dinner bars.
Next year’s Annual Diamond Ball will take place on 4 March 2011 and reservations are now being taken. Further information is available on the Fundraising pages at: www.caravan-charity.org.uk or email us on events@caravan-charity.org.uk
Source: Caravan
