Autism Guernsey saw a welcome boost to its funds this month thanks to two fundraising events; The Saffery Champness 1970s Cocktail Challenge and a Glitz ‘n’ Glam Fashion Show.
12 corporate teams took part in the charity’s annual cocktail challenge, which is now in its third year.
The Saffery Champness 1970s Cocktail Challenge, saw 12 corporate teams compete for cocktail glory. They were given 30 minutes to mix, muddle and make an original cocktail recipe to sell to guests for a donation.
This year the event was bigger and better than before with three additional teams taking part, and the evening raised over £6,500 for Autism Guernsey.
There were three prizes up for grabs on the night; Best Cocktail, Highest Earning Cocktail and Best Costume.
Ravenscroft’s team, ‘The Groovy Ravers’, won both the award for Best Cocktail and Highest Earning Cocktail. They raised an impressive £518 with their Lychee Fever cocktail, claiming the much coveted Rose Gold Pineapple Trophy.
Winner of the Best Costume prize was IAM Advisory’s team – Candy is Dandy but Liquor is Quicker. Their Willy Wonka’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory-themed entry boasted everything from a bubble machine and sweets to Oompa Loompas.
Nick Bachmann, Fundraising Director at Autism Guernsey, says: ‘This year’s entrants really embraced the theme and went all out with incredible costumes, decorations and cocktail names.
‘We are in our third year of running this event, and it is great to see the local community coming out to support the charity. I just want to say thank you to all who came and who helped to put on such a great night. We will be back next year, so watch this space.’
Jeremy Ellis, audit partner at Saffery Champness, said: ‘It was great to see everyone getting into the 70s theme to mark our 40th anniversary in Guernsey and it was very clear from the cocktails being created by the teams that they had taken that theme to heart. Everyone had a great time, and we are thrilled to have been able to raise some much-needed funding for a very worthy charity, Autism Guernsey.’
Later that week, Autism Guernsey took to the catwalk for its Glitz ‘n’ Glam Fashion Show, which raised over £2,000.00.
Each of the 32 party and evening outfits were auctioned off by compère John Fernandez, some of which were high-end designer pieces worth over £600.00
Mandy Morris, Office Manager at Autism Guernsey, says: ‘The event was a great success with us surpassing last year’s total by £400.00 We were inundated with donations from generous individuals as well as Guernsey Cheshire Homes and Go charity shops.
‘Not all of the items donated were sold at the event, so there is still time to pick up a bargain by heading to Autism Guernsey’s offices.
‘Without fundraisers like these the charity wouldn’t be able to carry out its work, as we rely solely on donations and grants. A massive thank you to all those involved.’