Back to the 70's Fundraiser for Age UK, Wandsworth

We survived!  (Although try telling that to our legs!).  My fundraiser for Age UK in memory of my mum was a fantastic success and all the guests said what a great night it was.

We raised £1,350 which, considering we had to pay for the venue, the entertainer, the decorations/props and some of the food, I'm delighted with.  Every penny will go to help the elderly in the borough of Wandsworth so huge thanks to all those who helped make it possible (raffle list and contributors at end of this blog).

As our usual venue closed down we hosted this year's event at St Mary's church hall, Putney.  Wow!  Such friendly and helpful staff and the space lent itself fantastically to our 70's theme. You'll see from the pictures that we managed to transform it into a funky disco and it was lovely to see so many guests turn up in costume.

As with each event we learn from mistakes - this year's being ... NEVER do the catering again!  Pappa Ciccia, Fulham kindly delivered deliciously hot, fresh pizzas for each table so we totally over-estimated the food that we prepared and served.  Thankfully, son's fiancée took to the web and found a hungry student who was having friends round and she came to collect the mound of leftovers the following day!

Next year we're hoping to host a Hollywood Night - I just need to find the perfect venue, a generous caterer and, hopefully, a wealthy sponsor!

Enjoy the pictures ...

With son before we set off - I am still removing glitter today!

Ready and waiting for the guests - my husband, the game show host!

The Welcome table

Son did a great job of the windows featuring my album covers from the 70's

The raffle table alongside the cupcake lottery and guess the weight of the cake

Guests settling in

YMCA - of course! Entertainment by 'Babette'

Our barmaid - son's fiancée

Special thanks go to:
My long suffering but incredibly supportive husband.
Son and fiancée for all their help on the day and running the bar - guests commented on the beautiful bar staff!
My sister and her husband for their cash donation.
Elizabeth for making all the table runners and a fantastic cake for 'Guess the Weight' and also providing and cooking all the sausages and helping to set up and clear up along with Judy, William and Marylou.
'Fenella' for help transporting food and providing all the cupcakes for the lottery.
Toby for all his help with the raffle.
My friend Mireille (sadly missed this year) for her contribution to the raffle.
Twitter friend, Putney Man for 4 raffle prizes.
Emma and all at Age UK, Wandsworth for their support and the beautiful orchid I was presented with.
Our entertainer, Babette - she sure knows how to get a crowd on their feet.
Berni and Tim at St Mary's church for being so helpful and cheery.

And all of the following for their raffle contributions:
 
DOOR PRIZE - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Battersea - overnight stay and use of spa facilities for 2
THE SPENCER PUB, PUTNEY - Dinner voucher (£50)
COOK - £20 voucher
A TIME TO HEAL, Glasgow - pamper hamper
THE PHEASANTRY, Kings Road, Chelsea - 2 x £15 live show tickets
KINGSTON LODGE HOTEL:
- Sunday lunch for 2 (£40)
- Afternoon Tea for 2 (£30)
CANNIZARO HOUSE, Wimbledon - Dinner and wine for 2
TASTECARD - membership for a year (£40)
THE DANCE LAB, Putney - beginners dance course for 1 mth for 2 (£100)
AVENUE COOKERY SCHOOL, Putney - £40 voucher
HEADMASTERS - cut and blow dry (approx £40)
CHISWICK HOUSE - entry vouchers for 4 (approx £30)
THE FLOWER YARD, PUTNEY - flower arrangement
JOE BROWN PERSONAL TRAINING - Assessment / sports massage / nutrition
CAFÉ FLEUR, Wandsworth - £15 voucher
BILLS RESTAURANT - £40 voucher
HOME SW15 - cocktail making class for 4 (£120)
OLIVER BONAS - £20 voucher
DALEY FITNESS - gym membership for 1 mth
BARRY LOUVAINE TATTOOS - £100 voucher
OH LA LASH - set of semi-permanent lashes (£85)
WATERMANS ARMS, Barnes - 2 separate prizes of meal for 2 with wine
THE STYLE LOUNGE, Wandsworth - blow-dry and manicure (£65)
Personal donations:
£50 Gap voucher x2
£50 H&M voucher x2
Bottle of Tequila & Cognac
Bottle of Port & Calvados
NEOM hand and body lotion (£22)
Picnic Rucksack with Prosecco
House of Yoga, Putney - 2 x 1 month free trial (£35 each)
Pappa Ciccia - pizza donations for the night 

And finally ... A shameless plug but a girl's got to eat! I have a new novel and a new Christmas novella out. Both on Amazon. If you like a romcom, check me out!  I have lots of them to offer.