Charity Auction

Our aim was to raise £3,000 - In fact we ended up raising over £5,000 - thanks to the generosity of people donating such wonderful items, the generosity of the people turning up and bidding ... and of course the fabulous entertainment provided by Alvin Stardust and Jules.

Since the event, we have had many e-mails, all along the same lines ... "Awesome", "Fabulous", "a Great Success". However the event would never have even got off the ground without months of work by Liz Smith and Vicki Smith.

Liz and Vicki made the whole thing possible - arranging the venue, raising the profile with local celebrities and businesses to get items and services donated to be auctioned, finding and involving Alvin and Jules ... and the other 101 things that needed doing to make the night the success it was.

Complementing the efforts put in by Liz and Vicki was the incredible enthusiasm and professionalism shown by Alvin Stardust and Jules.

Before this event, we had only known Alvin as a pop star and Jules as a talented singer who had sung in many west-end shows. However as soon as they heard about the auction, Alvin and Jules threw themselves into the fray making sure it was an evening to remember.

Not only are Alvin and Jules two of the most genuine and warm people you could ever hope to meet and talk to, they are also two of the most talented entertainers around.

They told us to leave the lighting and sound system to them - and before we knew it, we a nice events room was transformed into a spectacular Cabaret. Whilst everyone ate a meal of curry (well what else for an event called India 2010?) Jules sang a selection of songs, showing a wide vocal range, as well as giving us the benefit of a plethora of musical styles.

So often at such events, a singer is just about tolerated with a faint ripple of applause after the songs ... however with Jules resplendent in a blue sequin studded dress, singing each and every song from the heart, the applause after each was prolonged and genuine.

After the meal, Sue Cocks from the Rainbow trust made a very moving speech and showed a video outlining the aims of their charity.

Alvin Stardust then rose to his feet and, for the next hour put on a performance second to none. Not only a talented singer, Alvin ran the auction as an expert. He made us laugh with a constant stream of jokes and funny comments, whilst subtly reminding us of the reasons we were running the event and pulling on our heart-strings.

Alvin showed his professionalism by selling almost every lot for well over their reserve prices - whilst endearing himself to everyone in the room.

Once the auction was over, the tables were pulled back and Alvin and Jules got the party really going. Alvin and Jules sang together - catching everyone with their enthusiasm, and getting many people up to dance who probably wouldn't usually do so!!

The evening was rounded off by the announcements of the results of the raffle and silent auction, and then bowing to immense pressure from several ladies who had learnt the words off-by-heart, Alvin Stardust sang "My Coo Ca Chu". His voice and presence were unchanged from his TV appearances from many years ago - showing the charisma that makes him the star that he is.

By the end of the evening, everyone left smiling having had a wonderful time. Thanks to Alvin and Jules what had started off being a well organised charity auction ended up being a night to remember for the rest of our lives.

The lots auctioned off are listed below along with the details of the donator of each Lot:
 

LOT 1	Oliver - The Musical Voucher for 2 Tickets for Oliver - The Musical in London; dinner with wine in the Theatre Restaurant, with programme and brochure included www.oliverthemusical.com
LOT 2	Shoelands Guest House A night for 2 in a country guest house in Seale, Farnham www.sawdays.co.uk/search/display.php?BookID=gbb5484
LOT 3	Daniel Galvin - Celebrity Hair-stylist A voucher for a hair cut and colour at the celebrity hairdressers Daniel Galvin at London's West End www.danielgalvin.com
LOT 4	Flavia - from "Strictly Come Dancing" Signed pair of dance shoes from Flavia
LOT 5	Imibibros - Wine and Spirit Merchants Wine tasting for a party of up to 12 people www.imbibros.co.uk
LOT 6	Cheryl Cole - Girls Aloud and X-Factor A signed picture of Cheryl Cole
LOT 7	Wolves - Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club A First team Wolves FC shirt signed by all of the team
LOT 8	Roger Taylor - drummer for Queen Bass drum head signed by Roger Taylor from Queen
LOT 9	Anne Milton - Local MP A tour of the houses of Parliament and Tea with local MP Anne Milton www.AnneMilton.com
LOT 10	Roger Taylor - drummer for Queen Pair of drumsticks signed by Roger Taylor from Queen
LOT 11	Chris Martin - Award winning Photographer 2 Vouchers for £100 - each towards a studio Portrait Session - Valued at £65 plus one 7" by 5" portrait - or can be put towards a larger wall framed portrait www.chrismartinphotography.co.uk
LOT 12	Farncombe Boat House A day boating for 4 on the River Wey from Farncombe, Surrey www.farncombeboats.co.uk
LOT 13	Tea for 2 at The Ritz Donated by Tibby Stodel
LOT 14	Absolute Aesthetics LipoSonix treatment to the value of £2,000 www.AbsoluteAesthetics.co.uk
LOT 15	BBC's Eastenders Genuine Albert Square sign Autographed by all the Eastenders and donated by Nic Phillips
LOT 16	Drakes on the Pond - A Michelin Star Restaurant in Surrey Lunch for 2 with champagne on arrival at Drakes on the Pond, Abinger, Surrey www.drakesonthepond.com
LOT 17	Lord March - From Goodwood VIP day for 2 at Goodwood Festival of Speed – including lunch and tea at Goodwood house, VIP Enclosure and Grandstand pass and VIP Parking www.Goodwood.co.uk
LOT 18	Niul Foat - Artist Picture by Niul Foat – Abstract art on Perspex by a local artist www.menticulturalart.com
LOT 19	Steph Cook - Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney 2000 A signed photo of Steph Cook on the Olympic Podium, the official olympic results book signed by Steph and Steph's olympic Sweat Shirt - signed by Steph
LOT 20	Lulu - singer A signed photo of Lulu and a selection of products from her Time Bomb range and Time Fragrance
LOT 21	Natasha Gooding Weekend for up to 6 in Country Cottage, in Devon