2018 Midlands Gala Dinner raises over £51,000!
KidsOut’s 2018 Midlands Question of Sport Gala Dinner was another great success, raising over £51,000. That’s an astonishing £11,000 more than the previous year! Over 500 people from Midlands based companies joined KidsOut at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre for a night of fun and fundraising on Wednesday 5th September. Following last year’s entertaining Mexican-themed evening, the committee this year opted for an opulent Chinese Banquet, complete with authentic food, traditional live music, and a fearsome dragon. Some even mastered the use of chopsticks!
We were thrilled to have Donald Trump hosting the event (who shares an uncanny resemblance to impressionist Mike Osman) on an exclusive visit from the States, alongside quiz master and football legend Kevin Keegan! It remains to be seen how next year’s event will beat this star-studded line-up. Topping the Champions League was Allied Irish Bank, while the Europa League was won by Eversheds. Well-deserved victors!
In addition to the main quiz, guests could also take part in a raffle and two auctions. There were some fantastic items up for grabs in the silent auction, including a signed George Best photo montage, an evening for two at the beautiful Nuthurst Grange, and an Olympics shirt signed by Amy Williams. Available in the main auction was a unique David Bowie painting by Hertfordshire artist Rob Bishop, as well as a holiday to a luxury Ski Chalet in the French Alps. We are sure the winners and highest bidders of our raffle and auctions will enjoy their fabulous prizes.
Each year KidsOut offer awards to four people or companies for their outstanding support and contributions to the charity. This year an award for ‘Volunteer of the Year’ was presented to Jill Johnson, in recognition of her tireless commitment to KidsOut’s work and for organising this year’s Colour Dash. Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for pictures from the Dash and to appreciate the time and effort Jill put into making the event a huge success. Congratulations Jill!
KidsOut would like to say a huge thank you to the Gala’s event committee, as the Question of Sport event would not be possible without their help and support. In particular, thank you to Sara Williams and Rick Smyth, co-chairs of the committee. The money raised at this event will be used as vital funds to continue to supply Fun Days and Toy Boxes to disadvantaged children in the Midlands area, helping KidsOut bring fun and happiness to disadvantaged children throughout the UK. A special shout-out is also warranted for the Birmingham China Town Lions. Their help with the volunteers was essential in ensuring the night was a complete triumph.
The date of the next KidsOut Midlands Question of Sport is Thursday 5th September, 2019. Keep the date free in your calendars and be sure to stay up-to-date with our social media channels for an official announcement soon!
