This year’s Zoe’s Place Ball will give its guests the opportunity to bid on a bounty of unique auction prizes – which include once-in-a-lifetime experiences ranging from celebrity meetings to opulent sailing weekends.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen up your wardrobe with a bespoke tailoring service, immerse yourself in the music of Motown, or test your sleuthing skills at a murder mystery weekend in the Cotswold, next month’s charity ball has it all.
Sports fans can score themselves an executive box for 12 at a Wasps rugby game and equestrian enthusiasts can saddle up for a day of fun with ‘A Racing Experience’ – which includes a trip to the gallops and an informative stable tour at the yard of leading trainer Ian Williams.
But one of the most impressive lots at this year’s auction will be a unique opportunity to see what goes into making a Formula One championship contender with a private factory tour for up to six people.
Lunch, designed and served by an award-winning in-house team, will be dished up in MK7 – a location that overlooks a complete section of Red Bull’s racing history. And if that’s not enough, there’s the chance to meet Christian Horner to talk about all things Formula One.
Other prizes include a five-course Michelin starred lunch or dinner for six at a London restaurant owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey. Or if you fancy a weekend of pure indulgence, there’s the chance to get out on the open water in a luxury yacht – complete with your own skipper.
All of these incredible prizes will go under the hammer at the popular fundraiser on May 17, which has this year adopted the theme of Gangsters and Molls.
Peter Jarvis, Managing Director of Warwick-based Contechs and Chairman of the Zoë’s Place Business Group, has praised the generosity of local businesses and organisations for helping create an Aladdin’s cave of goodies.
“I am truly amazed and grateful to all those who have donated auction prizes for this year’s ball,” added Peter. “It has surpassed all our expectations and promises to be the biggest and best auction we’ve ever held in aid of Zoe’s Place.
“Our prizes are absolutely amazing, there really is something to suit all tastes. I am sure the opportunity to have a meal with celebrity Greg Wallace or talk Formula One with Christian Horner, will prove a huge hit with our guests and will help us raise more money than ever before.”
Once again, the ball is being held in the grand setting of Coombe Abbey. However, this year guests will be transported back to the roaring 20s for a night of Gatsby-era glamour.
Preparations are in full swing and tickets for the annual extravaganza are now virtually sold out. With music from Coventry band the Kicks, the impressive charity auction and a mouth-watering four-course meal, the evening promises to be a roaring success.
And every penny raised on the night will go towards Zoe’s Place annual running costs of £1.3 million per year. Fundraising activities take place each year to help the Midlands only baby-specific hospice continue to provide 24-hour palliative and respite care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Peter added: “While we want everyone to enjoy this incredible night, the main purpose of Zoe’s Place Ball is to raise much-needed funds to support the incredible work Zoe’s Place does. Since its inception, the ball has grown in popularity and every year we attract more people and prizes – all of which helps keep the doors of the hospice open to many families who are in desperate need of this life-changing service.”
Chris Ward, Fundraising Manager at the hospice, added: “We are thrilled to have so many incredible auction prizes for this year’s Zoe’s Place Ball. Once again, businesses have been very generous and donated once-in-a-lifetime lots which we are confident will prove popular at next week’s event.”
Tickets for the ball start at £75 per person. There are also Gold, Platinum and Diamond packages available for tables of ten ranging from £750 to £1,350.
To book tickets, or to find out more about how to support Zoe’s Place, contact the Hospice on [email protected] or call 024 7636 1675.
