Dove Ball 2023 is an overwhelming success
On Saturday 11th November, Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care held their glamorous event of the year – The Dove Ball. Guests arrived, dressed to impress, at the prestigious Oatlands Hotel in Weybridge. Tuxedos and stunning evening dresses set the tone for a wonderful evening full of fun whilst raising money for such an important cause.
“It was a wonderful night,” says Siân Wickes, CEO of the Hospice. “Our community came together to support our wonderful Hospice made even more poignant by a family sharing their story. A reminder of why we all do what we do every day.”
Penny Fortescue and her son Jacob bravely spoke from the heart as they told the story of their daughter, and sister, Jemily who the Hospice cared for in 2020. Through the hardest time of their lives, the Hospice were there to support them every step of the way. Sharing their story at this amazing event allowed everyone at the Dove Ball to see the reality of the support they were giving by attending.
A delicious three-course meal was enjoyed as guests were wowed by a singing MC whose powerful voice captivated the room with his operatic tones. A sea of white napkins could be seen waving in the air as guests sang and swayed along. Fundraising games were played as guests were invited to bid on items generously donated by local businesses and individuals before partaking in the live auction of the night hosted by TV Auctioneer, Andy Hodgson.
Superb prizes including a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre, Hospitality tickets to the British Super Bikes, a stay at The Dorchester Hotel in Milan, 4 Ball at Royal St George’s Golf Club, and a Premier Sailing experience created an electrifying buzz in the room as Andy expertly presented the opportunities to the guests. A fabulous last minute addition to the auction was a 5* stay at the famous Merrion Hotel in Dublin including flights.
“The live auction was incredibly exciting,” says Felicity Edwards, Events Manager at the Hospice. “We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Andy Hodgson for giving up his time to host this for us on our special evening.”
Guests were also wowed by the presence of the Premier League Trophy, kindly brought along courtesy of Barclays. This ‘money-can’t-buy’ moment allowed them to have their photograph taken with the trophy, leaving them with a wonderful memento of the evening.
“We are overwhelmingly grateful to everyone who made this night so special,” says Phil Wormley, Director of Fundraising at the Hospice. “From all the Hospice staff and volunteers who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the Dove Ball the success that it was, to the generosity of businesses who donated prizes for the raffle and auction, to all our guests who came along to be part of this magical night whilst raising funds so that the Hospice can continue to provide exceptional care to all our patients in the future.”
The Dove Ball raised a total of over £36,000 which equates to running the Hospice ward for over 108 hours, or 404 visits to patients out in the community.