Having a ball and the art of raising funds
More than £75,000 was raised to help cancer patients thanks to the generosity of artists around Bath.
Donated artwork was sold in an auction held at the Hope Ball, a glittering occasion to support the Forever Friends Appeal in their work at the Royal United Hospital.
The event was held in a marquee in the stunning grounds of the Old Rectory in Doynton.
On arrival 250 guests were greeted by Natural Theatre Company performers dressed in Georgian finery and were serenaded by a jazz trio.
Hope Ball co-chair Tabitha Claydon said: “The room was buzzing with a community wanting to support such a good cause. There was a lot of love in the room.”
Guests were able to meet some of the artists whose work was generously donated to the Hope Art Auction. Bath art legends such as Nick Cudworth and ‘Pete the Street,’ (aka Peter Brown) attended, as well as BP Portrait prize winners Miriam Escofet and Richard Twose.
Lucy Wildman, an art curator who assembled the collection with Diana Lanham, said: “The Bath art community is exceptionally generous and were so willing to join the Hope community in supporting the RUH. We had over 50 submissions for the auction.”
In the marquee, a circular bar surrounded a cherry tree decorated with candles. The tables were beautifully decorated with candlesticks and the outside was brought in with the foliage, flowers and forest-like decor.
Guests dined on a three course menu created by the talented team at Eat Five Star, paired with wines selected by sommelier Ed Mercer of Great Western Wines.
They were entertained by a tap dancing flash mob, Tap Attack, and an eight-piece band, Sway.
But the highlight of the night was the live art auction which, combined with the silent auction, raised more than £75,000. Several record prices were achieved and bidding was fierce.
Head of fundraising Tim Hobbs said: “The Hope team have now established the Hope Ball as the RUH Forever Friends Appeal’s triumphant fundraiser.
“Their efforts will go a long way in ensuring the residents of Bath enjoy a state of the art cancer centre.” The evening paid tribute to the memory of Justine Elliott, a dear friend of the Hope community, who lost a battle with cancer.
Her family attended the ball and will be involved in helping direct funds raised to ensure Justine’s vision for the new centre is honoured.
Co-chair Alex Chai said: “It’s people like Justine and her family who are the reason the Hope community works so tirelessly.
“The Hope Ball is a community’s act of generosity. Artists donate their work, volunteers their time and those who can, their money. We all have a way we can give and in the words of Maya Angelou, no one ever got poor from giving.”
To join the Hope community, make a pledge or to find out more about the hospital contact Katie Burfitt, Forever Friends Appeal: katie.burfitt@nhs.net.