Saturday 27th April saw the first ever Action Through Enterprise fundraising event organised by the ActivATE committee, and we’re thrilled to report that the night was a tremendous success. There were eight races along with a tri-cast and raffle, and as the bar got busier, the bets went up! Luckily for ATE, the Ramsbury locals like both a drink and a flutter so we’re thrilled to announce that the evening was a huge success and a staggering £3390 was raised!
From the first race, it was evident it was to be a lively night, with jeers and cheers echoing from every table. No warming up was necessary – everyone’s competitive edges were clear to see and the cheers only got louder as the night continued (we think it’s safe to assume that there was a direct link between alcohol consumed and loudness of cheers!). We were treated to traditional horse racing, greyhound racing, and much to everyone’s delight the night culminated in a pig race! Everyone in the room agreed pig racing was a real spectacle, something not to be missed if it comes to a farm near you…
“You’ve got to be in it to win it” was clearly the rationale on the night as the queue for the tote reached the end of the room for each race. Each race was supported by a local business, so thank-you to The JulBrew Stakes, J.Mantle Farrier, Hungerford Garden Machinery, The Bell @ Ramsbury, Earthline Ltd, Legal Eagles and Events Bar. The raffle prizes were also hotly in demand and raffle tickets sold like hotcakes. Prizes kindly donated included two BMW yachting jackets organised by Sean Evill, a beauty voucher from Quinessence Beauty, tomato and courgette plant seedlings from Rebecca Mann, a bottle of Tattinger champagne from Alice Charlwood and some home furnishings from Cathy Fuller of Catherines Home Furnishing.
We were treated to spectacular food kindly donated by Sue Brady Catering and after three courses I think many of us thought a power nap was in order, but oh no, just when we were all full up and unsure how much more excitement we could take, it was time for the auction prize! Diana Christie-Miller’s White Tie Catering has got such a wonderful reputation that it was a prize that everyone in the room was keen to win. Diana kindly donated dinner for ten people to be served in the comfort of the prize winner’s home with all food and waiting staff included. As soon as bidding started we realised just how in demand the prize was and a bidding war soon started. Pictures show just how emotional ATE Operations Director Sarah was. When bidding reached £500 no-one could believe it… but when bidding hit £700 I think it’s safe to say the ActiveATE committee’s screams of joy could most probably be hard in Lawra! Much to the delight of the ActiveATE committee, the dinner was won for £800. Thank-you so much to everyone who contributed to this fantastic amount of money!
As this was the first ATE fundraising event, enthusiasm was high amongst the attendees and the committee worked tirelessly to ensure the night was a success. A huge thank-you to everyone on the ActiveATE committee – the night wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for all your hard work, you all did wonderfully. So, to name and shame the lovely ladies who made this night possible, we would like to thank Laura Ellison-Snook, Hayley Tippins, Linda Nicholson, Lynn Jauncey and Justine Evill.
We must also thank the waitresses who worked incredibly hard on the night and ensured everyone was served a delicious meal. Lastly (but by no means least) ATE would like to thank Ian Smith and his wife Lois for providing the bar – you two worked hard to ensure no-one went thirsty and we salute you for having such a hefty supply of prosecco!
Everyone who came along on Saturday was there for the same reason – they wanted to have a great time with their friends, but more importantly wanted to have fun in the name of a tremendous cause. The work of ATE has had a profound effect on the community of Ramsbury and it’s amazing to see just how many people are willing to come out and support the work we are doing. ATE want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came along on Saturday night. When Sarah returns to Ghana in June, she plans to use the money raised through your generosity to buy and install a Polytank, which will provide clean, safe drinking water for our children at Karbo Primary School.
We all hoped to raise a substantial sum, but £3390 far exceeded these expectations – it really was a truly phenomenal effort from all who attended, thank-you again. We’ve had lots of fantastic feedback and messages from people asking when the next ATE fundraiser will be, so look out for the next ATE charity event – it won’t be too far away!
By Wendy Murdoch