Charlotte HansonTHE run up to Christmas has been a happy one in the Hanson/Humphries household. Although the weather’s far too fantastic and I don’t feel in the slightest festive, I’m enjoying trying!
We both feel that it is especially important at this time of year to do our bit for others. As DINKs (dual income no kids) we’re lucky enough to have the time, if not the money, to help where we can. And it’s not only about the dogs!
Recently we both worked at a stunning fundraiser for the Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice organised by Caroline Randerson and hosted by Sandro Morelli at Villa Tiberio in Marbella. It was an incredible night of music and entertainment attended by over 150 guests in a beautiful setting.
Lee Blackshaw from Central Memorabilia brought along an amazing collection of signed football shirts, framed discs and photos for the silent auction and the lovely Stephen Gilmour from Talk Radio Europe MCd brilliantly, keeping everything running smoothly and to schedule.
Warren Webley and Juliet Williams kicked off the music with their fantastic Carpenters Tribute. So many songs I had forgotten that I loved so much. I was desperately trying not to sing along and instead concentrate on selling raffle tickets! Nicholas Pound and Tom Lowe of Tres Divos were joined by Lynn Fisher performing a selection of classical hits while the guests enjoyed their sumptuous dinner of tasty prawns, succulent lamb and a chocolate creation which looked to die for!
The very persuasive Nigel Goldman got everyone bidding and flashing their credit cards during the live auction. The generosity of both the bidders and those who had donated the superb auction items was truly awe inspiring. I had been hoping that Rob DJ would jump up and bid for the tour of a Fleet Street newspaper as an early Christmas present, but the prices were soon flying way over our heads!
After the excitement of the auction, it was time for the guests to get up and strut their stuff on the dance floor. The sensational ABBA Tribute really got the party started and then it was up to Rob DJ to continue the party vibe until carriages arrived at 1.30am.
Congratulations to the organisers in raising €14.000 at just this one event!
My credit card also participated in what has become my favourite charity event in the run up to Christmas, Talk Radio Europe’s annual Telethon, again in aid of Cudeca. It’s such a fun day of radio entertainment with performances by school choirs and other soloists, as well as a few extra special live and telephone guests. The frantic telephone bidding on the generously donated gifts, products and services always gets my fingers twitching and ready to dial. This year I knew what I was after and I went for it! I had mentally set myself a limit which I thoroughly smashed but so far I’ve managed to keep that under wraps from those who don’t need to know!
The auction started at 10am and went on right through the day and into the evening programming. They raised a staggering €33.000 smashing the records set in previous years for the amount raised on the day itself! Huge congratulations to everyone involved at TRE and their friends who helped out.
Don’t let these amazing achievements stop you from making a donation to the Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice if you can. For those who aren’t aware (where have you been?) Cudeca provides a very special kind of care to cancer patients and their families, free of charge. A friend of mine who recently lost her husband to cancer was absolutely astonished by the care and attention she and her family received from Cudeca, seemingly without even having to ask. For them, Cudeca certainly made a very difficult situation in what is to many readers a foreign country, just that bit easier to deal with.
Their annual running costs exceed €2.500.000 and Cudeca is forced to rely upon public donations for more than 90% of its income, due to the lack of availability of government funding.
Please help, if you can. For more information visit www.cudeca.org.
