Luxury Cruise Ball - June 2011
Over 250 guests descended upon Sandy Park on Saturday 25th June 2011 to enjoy a fabulous evening's entertainment hosted by Dream-A-Way.
Following our recent appointment as the charity of HMS Defender, we felt it fitting to host this year's Ball with a Nautical theme and so the Luxury Cruise Ball was born!
Upon arrival, guests enjoyed arrival drinks sponsored by Frobishers,
whilst listening to music from members of the St Margaret's School
Orchestra.
Claude the Comedy Waiter, Magician Simon Leach and Davina Divine were also on hand to
entertain and delight guests.
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| Claude, on
hand once again to ensure our guests are served and welcomed in the most professional manner. |
Magician Simon Leach wows guests with mind-boggling tricks in the sunshine |
Guests then sat for a fabulous three-course themed Dinner by Posh Nosh. After Dinner as is traditional, Dream-A-Way Chairman Jeff Merrett hosted Fun Bingo, the prize for which was a superb break at the Mercure Southgate Hotel in Exeter, kindly sponsored by Mercure.
Our main auction is a much talked-about highlight of the evening during
which guests had the opportunity to bid on some truly money-can't-buy
auction lots including exclusive front page of the Express & Echo, a
chauffeured journey in Exeter City Council's Denis the Dustcart and a
truly special lot for this year, kindly provided by the HMS Defender
Team - a VIP trip to the Commissioning Ceremony of the new HMS Defender,
including an in-depth tour of the ship. We would like to extend
our sincere thanks and gratitude to the crew of HMS Defender for this
excellent gift and their ongoing support.
What's more, HMS Defender Lieutenant Darren Minty and his wife Rachael
recently completed the Reading Half Marathon in aid of Dream-A-Way, raising
a fabulous total in excess
of £400! Lieutenant Commander Charlie Reaves and wife Helen were also in attendance
to celebrate the partnership.
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The winner of this year's Fun Bingo
receives her prize from |
Jeff Merrett with HMS Defender
Lieutenant Darren Minty and his wife Rachael |
Guests were also invited to play the fun casino, sponsored by Westexe, and place bids on numerous silent auction lots; all of which were kindly donated by local companies and individuals who share our goal to provide holidays to our special clients.
And what Ball would be complete without a fantastic band to entertain
and help dance the night away? This year saw the return of Limited
Company.
Limited Company played two sets of timeless classics and new hits, much to
the pleasure of guests who really got into the spirit!
>You can view a full range of photos from the night in our gallery<
Why not join us for our next Ball on Saturday
23rd June 2012?
Book your table now!
As always, the evening wouldn't be possible without the
support and help of so many friends and sponsors. Many of whom give up
their time and items for free.
Special thanks goes to:
A.H. Jones Private Investigator
Backstage Supplies
Basher Tate
Berrybrook Motors
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Bourne Leisure
Claude, The Comedy Waiter
David & Gill Freeman
Davina Divine
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club
Exeter City Football Club
Exeter Golf & Country Club
Express & Echo We Care
Campaign
Frobishers
George Sloan and Rob Skinner, Timepiece Nightclub
Great Little Events (Phil Leaman)
Greg Vooght
HMS Defender & Crew
Hollywood Limos
JJ Leisure
Jack In The Green
Julie & the Team at Posh Nosh
June Hutchings &
the Sandy Park Team
Limited Company
Lord John Burnett
Mamka
M.A.T. Electrics
Marc Astley,
Express & Echo News & Media
Mike Hodgkinson
Mr & Mrs Simon Lister, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Nick Gunn
Nigel Martin
Peninsular
Raceworld Indoor Karting
Sainsburys Pinhoe
Shadow Promotions
Simon Leach, Magician
South West Communications
The Mercure Southgate Hotel
Tim Jones
Ultimate Hair & Beauty Academy
Wayne Moore
Westexe Forklifts
Wilkinson Grant
Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club