Hibernation Community Lunch raises £9,193.04 with George Michael painting by local artist Lez Ingham reaching £3,300 at auction.
Tickets for this year’s Hibernation Community Lunch, organised by Bear-Patrol at the Old Ship Hotel towards the end of October, sold out months in advance, raising a magnificent total of £9,193.04 for local good causes.
Danny Dwyer and Bear-Patrol have donated £5,000 to LGBT mental health service MindOut, to help towards the set up costs of their new counselling service, and £4,193.04 to Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, to help with their innovative approach to community development.
Graeme Atack, on behalf of Bear-Patrol, welcomed the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Mo Marsh, to the sixth annual luncheon before inviting everyone to take their seats in the surroundings of the magnificent Paganini Ballroom for a very impressive four-course lunch and community fundraising.
Mysterry Shaw hosted the afternoon’s entertainment, which included vocal sets from Jennie Castell, Krissie Ducann and a stunning show from headliner Miss Hope Springs who captivated the room for a full 50 minutes with her unique patter and original songs.
Excitement reached fever pitch during a bidding war for the main auction prize: an original painting of pop icon George Michael by local artist Lez Ingham, resulting in partners Mark Halloran and Chris Dangerfield bidding against each other to secure the painting, which had been commissioned and painted especially for the occasion, raising an impressive £3,300!
Specials thanks to professional Toast Master Mr Dan Hale and auctioneer Jennie Castell assisted by Graeme Atack who brilliantly handled the auction, making sure the bidding was clean and fair on all the lots which had been donated by supporters and local businesses.
Special mention for the technical crew of Carole Todd – director, Budge Magraw – lighting, Sam Eddison – sound and Mandie Brame from Fabricate Décor who decorated the room and of course Lez Ingham who kindly produced and donated the painting.
Next year’s Bear-Patrol Hibernation community lunch will once again be at the Old Ship Hotel on Sunday, October 21. To book your ticket email: info@bearpatrol.org.uk they are already selling very fast.
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