On Saturday 15 November, at The Lancaster Hotel, London, 340 guests were taken on a journey through Special Days at this year’s Willow Wonder Ball. As guests entered they were greeted by a Brighton pier-inspired reception, representing all of our family Special Days to the seaside. The journey continued with the evening’s menu, created by the hotel’s Executive Chef, and inspired by a Special Day at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Guests then enjoyed an incredible music set by the Jersey Boys Tribute act which had everyone on the dance floor before the main course was even served and went to show the power of West End musicals that many of our beneficiaries choose to attend.
It was a fabulous evening that exceeded all expectations both in terms of entertainment and funds raised, with a tremendous final fundraising total of £290,000. Such a sum will enable the charity to fulfil many more Special Days this Christmas and into 2015. Days that will allow those living with the difficult realities of life-threatening illness to enjoy a little quality of life and quality of time with their family.
Willow Life Presidents, Bob & Megs Wilson, were delighted to welcome so many of the charity’s supporters, sponsors, patrons and ambassadors. Our host, television presenter, Helen Fospero was enchanting as she led us through the evening and Martin Bayfield was very much part of the entertainment as the night’s auctioneer, ensuring it was a huge success.
The evening’s final entertainment from The Pete Long and Big Band, featured a very special appearance from Jimmy Somerville, and had guests back up on their feet and dancing into the early hours.
For us, the highlight of the night was having three of our beneficiaries, Tracey, Luke and Nicki who spoke about the impact of their Special Days. Their words were incredibly powerful and reflected exactly what Bob & Megs set out to achieve when they founded Willow fifteen years ago.
A final thanks must go to all those who gave their time to attend. The evening would not have been such a success if were not for all our fabulous volunteers who gave up so much of their time to help set up, pack up and help out on the night.