Bristol businesses are being urged to support a glamorous fundraising ball to mark the 30th anniversary of ChildLine – with all money raised going to the NSPCC.
The event has been given an extra sparkle with the donation of a £1,500 necklace for auction by a renowned South West jeweller.
The Diamonds and Pearls event takes place at the Bristol Hotel on Thursday September 29. And to make the occasion extra special, DiamondGeezer.com, of Dragons’ Den fame, has designed and created a necklace featuring top quality diamonds and an Akoya pearl, which will be open to bids on the night.
The company from Bourton-on- the-Water in the Cotswolds holds the record for the biggest rejection of investment by the Dragons. Founder Clive Billing turned down a £255,000 offer for 40% of the business after putting a smaller share up for grabs.
Clive’s son Luke – the firm’s managing director – agreed to support the ball when approached by Shameem Forsyth, voluntary chair of the NSPCC Bristol business board.
Luke said: “It is an absolute pleasure to support such an amazing charity. As a father of two young children, I think it is important to help the next generation and ChildLine is a fantastic service for young people.
“As soon as I heard the theme was ‘diamonds and pearls’ I got to work on this bespoke necklace, which features 18-carat white gold, a third of a carat total diamond weight, and an 8.5mm Akoya A-rated Japanese pearl.
“It is a wonderful piece and I hope it will attract lots of offers for a good cause – but you will have to outbid me to get it!”
Shameem added: “I had hoped Luke might be able to donate something for the event but he has exceeded all our expectations by actually designing a necklace just for this special occasion. We cannot thank him enough.
“Supporting the NSPCC is all about helping children now and in the future, and at this Ball we can do that, while also having a fantastic evening.”
Guests can expect a champagne reception, followed by a three-course dinner, as well as live music by acclaimed band The Moonloungers, a raffle, and speeches by the NSPCC’s Peter Watt and individuals who have received help from the charity.
Meanwhile, Martin Roberts from BBC Homes Under The Hammer will take on the role of auctioneer, and comedian Ian Royce will host the evening’s events.
Proceedings will get underway at 6.45pm, and carriages are at midnight.
NSPCC fundraising manager for Bristol Anna Keir said: “This promises to be an absolutely fantastic evening, and I would like to thank Luke, Shameem, our entire Bristol business board, and everyone else who has made this possible.
“Some 90% of NSPCC funding comes from donations, so without fundraising events like these we would no longer be able to provide vital support services like ChildLine, allowing us to continue our fight for every childhood.”
Tickets for a table of 10 are £850. To book, contact Anna Keir on 07976 065207 or anna.keir@nspcc.org.uk
Pictured, from left: NSPCC community fundraising manager for Bristol Anna Keir, DiamondGeezer.com managing director Luke Billing, and chair of the NSPCC Bristol business board Shameem Forsyth
