Vader and Parky attend black-tie ball
A total of £40,000 was raised as a Maidenhead children's hospice charity hosted its annual black-tie fundraiser on Friday.
Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, based in Snowball Hill, ran its flagship event last week at The Castle Hotel in Windsor.
More than 150 people attended the evening of entertainment and fine dining at the Heaven Sent Ball, which also coincided with the charity’s 15th birthday year.
Veteran broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson, who is Alexander Devine’s founderpatron, surprised CEO Fiona Devine and guests at the beginning of the evening with a special appearance.
An auction was led by charity ambassador Neil Shuttleworth and celebrity auctioneers Jonty Hearndon and Thomas Forrester.
Guests competed to win sought after auction prizes including a getaway at Cliveden House, a masterclass for six with awardwinning chocolatier Mark Tilling, and a private dining experience for 10
people at the Castle Hotel.
Giving Sir Michael a hand to get the party started, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers from Joker Squad were out in force to greet the attendees.
Windsor Rock Choir entertained people with a medley of songs, whilst award winning magicians, Dean Leavy and Chris McGeever, added a touch of magic to the evening.
After a three course dinner, there was also live music from local singer Jennifer Jamieson.
The event was sponsored by accounting firm Blue Peak and supported by a number of other firms including Penguins Events Agency and Blooming Fabulous
Flowers.
Fiona Devine was delighted that the black-tie social raised so much for the charity, with £40,000 clocked up to support its vital work.
She said: “What an absolutely fabulous night and it was so amazing that so many people came out to support us and helped us to raise such a phenomenal amount of money.
“I am so deeply touched that Sir Michael popped in to surprise us.
“His support has meant so much to me and the charity over the last 15 years, he really is such an amazing man and we are so proud to have him as our founder patron.”