After such a long time of not being able to come together, this year's Master's Fundraising Charity Ball was a truly special occasion. Liveryman Pam Brook recalls a night of 'fun', fellowship and fundraising on Friday 13th May at the Guildhall.
A few people may have questioned whether Friday 13th was a good date to have a party. Well, for those Liverymen and guests who kindly supported the fabulous evening at the Guildhall, London on Friday May 13th the answer is certainly yes!
Over 370 guests came together at The Master’s Charity Fundraising Ball to enjoy fun and fellowship, whilst raising funds for the wonderful charity Farms for City Children and our own Butchers’ Hall.
A champagne and canapes reception kicked off proceedings and the party goers were entertained by magicians extraordinaire as they then made their way into the Main Event.
In the fabulous surroundings of The Great Hall, an ice breaker game of Heads & Tails raised a few smiles and the lucky winner walked away with a jeroboam of champagne and a carvery lunch for two people at Butchers’ Hall.
Guests then sat down to an equally fabulous menu, including spiced prawns for starters followed by 1953 Beef Fillet, which everyone we have spoken to said was nothing short of superb! A chocolate tart with pistachio ice cream followed prior to a speciality cheese selection and Churchill’s Late Bottled Vintage Port!
Five lucky winners walked away with a selection of great raffle prizes, generously donated for the evening.
Throughout the event the Silent Auction saw people bidding for over 60+ special items and events, all to raise monies for two great causes.
With the party in full swing two surprise guests emerged from the throng to raise the roof on yet another highlight of the evening – the unforgettable duo, aptly named Incognito, mixed a medley of operatic arias with some well known classics from Abba and Queen. With the audience on their feet, blue napkins were seen waving from the front to the back of the Great Hall and it was quite some spectacle! There were smiles and a finale of Nessun Dorma from Turandot was just perfect!
With the majority of guests still on their feet the next treat was the live band The Talent, who had The Crypt at Guildhall rocking! Wigs and funny hats enticed all to strike a pose in the photo booth, for some candid shots that some may not want to be seen publicly! It was undoubtedly a pretty special place for a party!
There are numerous people and organisations who made the event so successful and the organising committee are ever so grateful to them all. As Master Margaret Boanas said: “Thank you to all those who were there, supported in sponsorship and the team who worked so hard to make it happen. Just a great evening!”
At the Court lunch held on the 1st July, The Master presented a cheque to Donna Edmonds, CEO for Farms for City Children, for the sum of £37k. In addition, it was announced that the WCB Education Charity would be supporting funding of £8.5k for an MRes student to carry out research at one of the farms, in conjunction with Harper Adams University.