Gala fun night raises £22,000 for charities

A gala fun night has raised £22,000 to share between three Isle of Wight based charities. Around 200 guests attended the Annual Esplanade event at Gurnard Pines, where they were treated to a three-course meal by popular Island chef, Robert Thompson, and served by a volunteer group of students from Ryde School.

In between courses guests were invited to play ‘Heads & Tails’, ‘guess the number of balloons in a car’, a have a go in the raffle, to gain donations and table magic from Illusionist Aaron Isted.

This was followed by a talk from each of the charities detailing exactly how their charities would be benefiting from funds raised at the event. The local charities that will receive an equal share of money raised are: The Isle of Wight Sports Foundation, UKSA (Test the Water Programme) and Kissy Puppy.

There was also an auction which saw bidding for ‘money can’t buy’ lots including an Official Rugby Ball signed by current England Captain Owen Farrell.

After the meal and auction guests were invited to enjoy the party by placing a bet at the casino, taking pictures at the Magic Photo Mirror and dancing at the disco.

All costs associated with running the evening are covered by Esplanade, and Robert Thompson generously donates all the food and his time.

General Manager, Paul Styles said: “This partnership between Esplanade and Robert Thompson has now seen a total of £67,470 raised for Isle of Wight Charities over the last four years. This is something we are extremely proud of and are already thinking about how we can raises even more money in the future.”

Esplanade is a multi-franchise car dealership and after-sales retailer based in Cowes, representing; Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, smart, Vauxhall and Ssangyong.