Members of a new Rotary group at South Cheshire car factory Bentley have given a huge cash boost to charity after staging a ball at Crewe Hall.
The Rotary Club of Bentley Cheshire, founded by employees at the plant in Crewe, welcomed more than 200 people to a Las Vegas-themed evening in the hotel Function Suite.
Although it was their first major event, the ball raised an amazing £8,500 and now plans are in the pipeline for a winter-themed Snow Ball later this year.
Club secretary Sarah Newcombe said: “We were thrilled at the turn-out and the generosity of local businesses which supported the evening with auction lots and draw prizes.
“It means we can hand over a sizeable donation of £1,500 to Rotary Foundation charities while splitting the rest between two very worthy causes.”
Donations of £3,500 will go to Young Minds UK, a charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, and to Crewe-based Climb, which supports patients and families affected by inherited metabolic disorders.
Guest speaker Alex Staniforth, an ambassador for Young Minds UK, received a standing ovation after telling of his battle to overcome bullying.
He found fame after attempting to climb Mount Everest and carrying the London 2102 Olympic torch.
Now an inspirational speaker, he has released a book, Icefall, endorsed by Bear Grylls.
Sarah added: “The group is going from strength to strength.
“This month alone, members and friends have rolled up their sleeves and been out to paint at the charity Climb, while others have baked for a cake sale and knitted lap blankets for the Macmillan Unit at Leighton.
“Since last spring they have dedicated more than 1,000 volunteering hours to help projects and events in our local community.
“We have a full programme of events for the rest of the year and while originally founded by Bentley colleagues, we welcome people from all professions.”
The group, founded with support of the Rotary Club of Crewe and Nantwich Weaver, meets at Firenze restaurant in Nantwich on Thursday evenings.
Events planned include a quiz night, family barbecue and bonfire.
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