Peter Jarvis
Generous Birmingham residents have dug deep to make this year’s Variety Anniversary Ball a huge success – raising more than £20,000 on the night for the Midlands disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.
Over 130 guests attended the event organised by the Variety Midlands Business Board recently held at Moxhull Hall Hotel – immersing themselves in celebrating 70 wonderful years.
As well as enjoying music from Coventry band the Kicks, guests were treated to a performance by Jade Trinkle, acrobatic performer and Nikita Bassi, a solo artist who performed her debut single ‘Satin’ which premiered with BBC Introducing on Brody Swain’s show.
The guests were also treated to a fabulous auction which featured a line-up of once-in-a-lifetime experiences ranging from celebrity dinner dates to spectacular sporting events.
Among the Aladdin’s cave of prized lots was dinner with Gino D’Campo at his new restaurant in Harrogate, which fetched an impressive £1,200 on the night.
There was frenzied bidding on other lots too, including tickets for Andrea Bocelli, a Weekend at Sea, tickets for the Strictly Tour and a beautiful diamond pendant, but it was a week on a private island that created the most excitement with bids reaching a jaw-dropping £5,500.
Organisers say they are overwhelmed by the generosity of local people, who came together to support the charity. Peter Jarvis, Managing Director of Warwick-based Contechs and Chairman of the Variety Midlands Business Board, said: “What an incredible night. It was absolutely fantastic and we want to thank everyone for coming out and making it a roaring success. Special thanks should go to the newly formed Business Board, who came together to create this fabulous evening.
“A huge amount of work goes into organising an event like this, but it is definitely worth it when you see the fruits of your labour. We raised a fabulous £20,000 for Variety on the night, a massive amount which will make such a difference to the children in this area.
Businesses across Birmingham have also been praised for their support this year, with Crystal Direct and Britannia Services signing up as the headline sponsors – both having been a strong supporter of Variety for many years.
Peter added: “I am so incredibly proud of my association with Variety. It is a remarkable charity which provides an essential lifeline to so many people who are enduring the hardest battle of their lifetime.
“I hope that we will continue to host this spectacular event for many years to come and I know that the generosity of people across the midlands will continue to make this event a massive success.”
