A special fundraising event hosted by Middleton Hall Retirement Village has raised money for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
The village’s Grand Luncheon, which took place in the grounds of the retirement village in Middleton St George near Darlington on 13 September, raised almost £800 for the Middlesbrough-based charity.
Staged in a marquee erected for the occasion, the event was enjoyed by residents from the estate’s independently owned retirement properties, their friends, members of the local business community and representatives of Zoe’s Place and Middleton Hall Retirement Village.
The event began with glasses of prosecco served in the sunshine on the lawn as guests arrived and was followed by a three-course buffet, featuring a spectacular fruits de mer platter.
A saxophonist played live throughout the lunch and diners were treated to a surprise appearance by two professional singers as coffee was served.
Tickets for a fundraising raffle were sold throughout the afternoon for the chance to win a range of prizes generously donated by Middleton Hall Retirement Village suppliers and local businesses.
After the event residents and guests expressed their delight with the “excellent luncheon”, “lovely food and entertainment”, the “wonderful occasion” with impressive “attention to all the details” and thanks for “such a joyous afternoon”.
Senior Corporate & Major Donor Fundraiser for Zoe’s Place Middlesbrough, Ashleigh Wood, said: “It was a fabulous afternoon.
“£792.50 is an incredible amount and one which we are extremely grateful for. To put that donation into perspective, it costs around £720 for 24 hours of care for one child.”
Middleton Hall Retirement Village Managing Director, Suzanne Graham, said: “It was such a memorable event and a perfect way to raise funds for a wonderful cause.
“Those who donated prizes were generous to a fault as were our residents and guests with their spirit, sense of fun and support on the day. A big thank you is due too to the Middleton Hall Retirement Village teams who made the event such a success. We are really looking forward to doing it all again.”