The 2nd Kindled Spirit Charity Dinner took place on 18th June at Stratford Manor Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Once again we were blessed with lovely weather and so the 180 guests were able to enjoy their reception drinks and canapés on the terrace, accompanied by the beautiful jazz music of George Northall, who is a great supporter of charities in India.
The event was introduced by Pritpal Gill (Trustee) and Pia Carvalho (Supporter), who explained the outline of the evening. Bharti Patel, CEO –ECPAT, spoke on current anti-trafficking measures followed by Richard Cribb (Managing Trustee) and Pritpal who gave an update on the progress that has been made at Kindled Spirit’s sponsored project in Mumbai, operated by the Indian based charity Kshamata. A video interview was shown of Bharathy Thaliani, CEO – Kshamata, with Richard during his visit in February this year; Bharathy was able to report good progress and thanked the guests for their support..
With the serious side of the proceedings complete, the guests were invited to play the fundraising game True or False hosted by Martyn Ball (Trustee). The game went down to the wire and two of the guests, Gill and Craig, fought long and hard to win a case of champagne; it was speed that counted in the end and Craig went off with the prize..
Steve Samways (Supporter) introduced the Grand Raffle Draw and the hi-tech Silent Auction. Guests then enjoyed a wonderful Indian dinner from the award winning Itihaas restaurant from Birmingham..
When dinner was finished more fundraising activities took place; Table Bingo and the Live Auction hosted by Steve and Milan Zarac (Trustee). This only left the Grand Raffle Draw to be made and the auction winners to collect their prizes..
Dilip Jina (Trustee and Finance Manager) said, “we have had another wonderfully successful event and for me to be able to announce that we have raised £16,000 on the night is fantastic – it is beyond our expectations”. Martyn Ball added, “we have now ‘set a standard’ for the event and we are so grateful to all our sponsors and guests for making it such a successful evening”.
