1st May 2019

Two groups of Worthing fundraisers held St George’s Day events to help raise funds for local charity, Guild Care.

Long-time Guild Care supporters and local businessmen, Derek Steel and Peter Kennard hosted their 13^th annual St George’s Day luncheon on Friday 26^th April, raising an incredible £7,000.

The event was held at the The Ardington Hotel’s Indigo restaurant in Worthing, selling out with 130 people attending and former Albion footballer Gordon Smith, as this year's special guest speaker.

Peter said, “Thank you to everyone who kindly supported another very successful and highly enjoyable afternoon. Many thanks to the team at Indigo for the wonderful food and to all our guests for their generosity in supporting Guild Care. We look forward to hosting our 14^th St George’s Day luncheon in 2020!”

Peter Kennard, Gordon Smith and Derek Steel pictured together before the St George's Day luncheon

On the same day, just around the corner was the first St George’s Day Ladies Lunch event, held by Sam Cramer, Helen Sandell, Nicki Webber and Lou Pollard at Italian restaurant, Casa Ciro.

Forty-eight guests were greeted with a glass of prosecco on arrival before dining on a delicious three-course meal and continuing into the afternoon with games and a raffle.

The event raised a fantastic £1,800 which will go to Guild Care’s Ashdown Centre for children and young adults with disabilities and complex needs.

Sam said, “During a visit to Ashdown and after seeing the happy, busy children and teens and also the clearly dedicated staff, it only confirmed my decision to help as much as I could. So many local families rely on the Ashdown Centre for their children's self-esteem, confidence and development of independence and for their carers to have a much needed break; it is an incredibly worthy cause.”

Sam Cramer, Helen Sandell and Nicki Webber pictured together at the St George's Day Ladies Lunch event

Both events raised incredible and vital funds that will help support Guild Care’s community services for local children and adults in need.

Michelle Sidney, Head of Fundraising said, “We are so grateful to Peter, Derek, Sam, Helen, Nicki and Lou for the time and effort put into arranging these events to help continue our services for local children and adults. This year, we need to raise over £460,000 to ensure we can continue to run over 30 subsidised community services which help and support children and adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, dementia, isolation and much more. So, the funds raised from the lunches will go a long way in making a difference to children and adults living in our community. Thank you so much!”