Local business men and fundraisers Peter Kennard and Derek Steel presented a cheque for £10, 900 to Guild Care’s Chief Executive Antonia Bunnin on Thursday 28 May.
The money was raised through two events ~ the ‘Not The New Years Eve Ball’ Part III at Worthing Golf Club which raised £4,400 and the third St Georges Day Luncheon held in April.
Guest of honour at the luncheon held at the Ardington Hotel was national radio personality from Talk Sport, Mike Parry. Mike generously gave up his time free of charge to propose the toast to the Queen following the luncheon. This was followed by an auction with lots including tickets at Lords to watch England play Australia, tickets for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and a helicopter ride kindly donated by Mike Hartnett of MJH Homes. All 120 tickets were snapped up in advance and there was even a waiting list. All in all a tremendous sum of £6,500 was raised for Guild Care. Next year’s luncheon will be held on Friday April 23rd 2010, St Georges Day.
Antonia said ‘The amount Peter and Derek are able to raise at these special events in aid of Guild Care is astounding and we thank all their colleagues and friends not only for providing auction items but also for generously bidding for them.’
Peter and Derek added their thanks particularly to Worthing Golf Club and The Ardington Hotel for their much valued assistance and generosity in hosting these events.
The money raised from the ball was included as part of 75th Anniversary Appeal. £6,500 from St George's Day will go towards Guild Care’s transport service, enabling the charity to run a varied programme of trips and outings for older people and unpaid carers throughout the year.
Next on Derek and Peter’s fundraising agenda is their Summer Party to be held in The Dome's beautiful function room on Friday July 24th in aid of Guild Care. To coincide with the fireworks that launch the Worthing Festival, Derek and Peter will be hosting Worthing's first Piano Bar night. Peter said: "We had a wonderful evening last year and we reckon the sing-a-long piano bar experience will be great fun. Tickets and details will be released soon. “