Summer Ball raises sweet £16k

AutoRaise, the vehicle repair industry charity, has thanked guests, Platinum Partners and sponsors of the inaugural AutoRaise Industry Summer Ball for helping it to raise £16,000 on the night.

Devised as a major new fundraiser, the AutoRaise Industry Summer Ball brought together the vehicle repair industry sector for a ‘refreshingly different’ evening of fundraising fun.  The landmark Old Billingsgate Market provided a stunning backdrop for a sparkling reception with unmatched views across the Thames on a beautiful British summer evening.

Industry colleagues and friends, and their partners, were wowed with entertainment from ‘Fire and Sparks’, an aerial artist, and the Jumbo and the Jets band.

AutoRaise thanked those who took part in the silent auction, with a whole host of sporting, film and art memorabilia available to bid on during the evening. Other prizes included a  spa break donated by Tim Hopkins of Gemini ARC, a BTCC pit-day experience for eight by accountants, Croucher Needham, an Anthony Joshua signed boxing glove from Baldwins Repair Group and a weekend break in Aspinalls Port Lympne Safari Park by the REAL charity.

Nationwide Repairs, Fix Auto Mid Devon and Junair each ran adverts in the read-and-keep AutoRaise Industry Summer Ball programme , while guests also dug deep to make a cash donation in an envelope collection.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from the bodyshop community, guests sipped on a number of one-off cocktails from the AutoRaise Gin and Cocktail Bar: Rye Street Group Brockmans, Fix Auto Stevenage Mojito, Four Elms Passion Fruit Mojito, Gemini Woo Woo and Alton Cars Red Rose – for one night only – were a huge hit. As were the SJP shot holster girls – all enjoyed in moderation in the aid of charity.

‘We are delighted,’ said Bob Linwood, chief executive officer, AutoRaise. ‘On reflection, the whole evening couldn’t have gone much better. The team worked so hard to put on a brand-new industry event that specialized on having no awards and partner involvement; it was great to see so many industry friends letting their hair down with their long-suffering partners and it is clear they had a great night.

‘The feedback we have received, especially on the beautiful venue, has been overwhelming and I am very pleased to announce that the AutoRaise Trustees have agreed for us to hold the event again next year. Watch this space for more details coming soon as we want to give as many people in the industry an opportunity to enjoy another fabulous night out next year.’