Rebecca Ferguson serenades guests at Grand Prix Ball in support of children with cancer
Howard Lake | 12 July 2011 | News
Charity auction raises £30,000 for CLIC Sargent.
X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson performed at the prestigious Grand Prix Ball, on Thursday 7 July, which raised an impressive £30,000 for the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, CLIC Sargent.
Kicking off British Grand Prix week in style, the stunning black tie event took place at the Hurlingham Club and was hosted by BBC Formula 1 pundit Eddie Jordan. Guests including Simon Webbe, Robert Powell, Caprice, Kate Walsh, Elen Rives, Brendan Cole, Ken Leung and Lizzie Cundy were greeted by a display of Formula 1 cars through the ages, including a 2011 Force India, and the 1986 Williams driven by Damon Hill.
After a champagne reception on the banks of the river Thames, followed by a lavish three-course meal, diners were entertained by electric violin duo FUSE, who performed with Swarovski-encrusted violins.
Later in the evening guests were serenaded by X Factor runner up Rebecca, who spoiled guests with her renditions of Amazing Grace and Like a Star. Eddie Jordan, who is a Patron of CLIC Sargent, returned to the stage with his band ‘The Robbers’.
A large-scale painting of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, which sold for £4,500, was one of a number of prizes up for grabs during the charity auction which generated lots of support for CLIC Sargent’s vital work across the UK. The large scale, heavily textured explosive oil painting of Hamilton was created by Warwickshire artist Paul Oz, whose prints adorn the walls of well known personalities including Sir Alex Ferguson and businessman Theo Paphitis.
Sophie Eaton, Major Events Manager at CLIC Sargent, said: “The auction was such a success, we’re delighted! On behalf of everybody at CLIC Sargent I’d like to thank everyone involved. The money raised will make a huge difference to our work, supporting children and young people with cancer.”
Jonny Dodge, chief executive GP Management Worldwide said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the 2011 Grand Prix Ball in support of CLIC Sargent was a stunning success. Thank you to Rebecca Ferguson for performing and everyone who donated and bought lots to support such a worthwhile cause. I’d also like to thank all the guests for making it such a magnificent evening.”
The Grand Prix Ball made its debut in London last year, marking the beginning of the partnership with CLIC Sargent. The charity supports families from the point of diagnosis, helping them to cope with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.
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About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.