creating transformative experiences for learning disabled young people creating transformative experiences for learning disabled young peopleOn Saturday the 21st of September we hosted our 30th anniversary fundraising Gala dinner and charity auction at Winstanley House in Leicester. We had an incredible evening joined by businesses and individual supporters, and we raised an astonishing £15,274.
We are so thrilled with the amazing auction lots that were generously donated. We feel that the unique aspect of our Gala is that 100% of the prize value that is donated on the night is received by Bamboozle to directly benefit our work with disabled children and young people.
The evening was a magical journey to the stars with performances by our very own Bamboozle Moonstarers, The Daisy Belles and Enter Edem alongside a silent, sealed and live auction which was auctioneered by Peter Evans.
We’d like to personally thank all our donors below – your support has enabled Bamboozle to continue supporting disabled children with complex needs, and autistic children and young people, and their families in our community.
Art
Original Paul Wright’s
We were delighted to feature four stunning pieces by Leicestershire artist Paul Wright. Paul is a long-standing supporter of Bamboozle and has donated pieces of his work to our charity auctions for many years.
Paul is a hugely successful artist with a unique style which has earned him a place at the BP National Portrait Award on no less than two occasions. Paul received further awards from The National Gallery for the annual BP Award and he made the shortlist for grand prize in 2014.
This year Paul donated four stunning pieces:
Collection by Tony Heaton OBE
British sculptor and disability rights activist Tony Heaton OBE. Heaton’s recent solo exhibition at Attenborough Arts explored Heaton’s sculptural practice from his early disability rights activism and his initiation of the National Disability Arts Collection and Archive (NDACA), to more recent work that includes direct stone carving and neon text pieces.
Tony Heaton is an artist who has exhibited nationally and internationally. Major commissions include Gold Lamé winning the commission to be the first sculpture sited on the Liverpool Plinth in 2018 and Monument to the Unintended Performer, installed on the Big 4 outside Channel 4 TV in celebration of the 2012 London Paralympics.
Theatre & Cinema
We had an array of tickets to see some amazing theatre including My Fair Lady at Curve Theatre, a family ticket for Snow White’s opening night at De Montfort Hall, Stickman at The Bloomsbury Theatre, Curious Investigators at Attenborough Arts Centre, The Jolly Christmas Postman at the Royal & Derngate, two performances at The Wolverhampton Arena and a comedy night at The Y Theatre. Phoenix Cinema also kindly donated tickets to see any film at their newly extended independent cinema.
Harborough Jewels
We featured stunning pieces that sparkled by Steffans Jewellers and Wilkinsons Goldsmiths who both run their businesses in Market Harborough.
Established in 1976, Steffans Jewellers is a veritable trove of treasures, stocking and sourcing the most tasteful pieces made from the highest quality of materials.
Wilkinson Goldsmiths is a small independently run workshop and showroom, creating beautiful handmade rings, pendants, earrings & other pieces in all precious metals, unique to the client. These beautiful pieces were highly sought after on the night. Be sure to visit these Jewellers websites to find out more about their services and jewellery.
Experiences for you
We had a wonderful range of gifts designed for our guests to treat themselves or their business, from spa and leisure days for two at Champneys and Ullesthorpe Court Hotel, to personalised Life Coaching with Natasha Ayres, Canva training with Clare McCabe at Purple Star Design or a Social Media review for your business with Bloom Assistants, an afternoon tea at the Gala host venue itself Winstanley House or Gin Tasting at Stoughton Grange and a Reiki Session with Energy Healer Joanne Davies.
Discovery days
We had some stunning tourist destinations filled with heritage; treat the family to trips to Rockingham Castle, and Lamport Hall. For lovers of an off road experience, we had a Landrover Driving Experience at the East of England Landrover Centre. For those looking to create a lasting memory, we had a Pal Tiya experience day with The Shires Workshop.
Stunning stays
Hugely generous donations of stays at holiday homes in Sennen, St Agnes and the Malvern Hills. A huge thank you to Catherine Walker, David Beeson and Tony and Karen Smith for these kind donations.
Unique prizes
We had a rare special-interest prize comprising of Shackleton’s whiskey and first edition signed and personalised books about Shackleton’s whiskey and the phenomenal Endurance 22 expedition. Bamboozle artist and international soprano Amy Whittle provided a unique opportunity to sing at an event. We offered a fascinating process of how diggers, loaders, and other powerful machines are brought to life, from design to production on a JCB factory tour. Long time Bamboozle artist and Personal Stylist Glenys Xavier donated a session with her from GX Personal Styling. Our very own Executive Director Ruth donated her services as a celebrant for a personalised ceremony with her company Handmade Ceremonies. Plus local award-winning garden designer Chris Cooper-Hayes kindly donated a session with him to help the lucky winner redesign their garden.
Sports
We had an array of sports based prizes this year with prizes including:
With special thanks to:
Our sponsors:
Minuteman Press Lutterworth for sponsoring our beautiful programmes
Van sponsors: City Self Drive
Our Executive Tables:
Paragon Sales Solutions and ACE Cleaning
Our Charity of the Year positions
Thanks to Torr Waterfield and Fosse Business Breakfast Club for fundraising for us throughout 2024.
Business network south Leicestershire – thank you for your year-round support from members of the group.
Our Patron
Huge thank you to our Patron Bella Ramsey who continuously helps us to raise the profile of our work and this year donated some signed merchandise to our auction.
Our Trustees
As always, we are forever grateful to our Board of Trustees, artists and office team for their dedication to our work and to our families.
And a huge thank you to everyone who attended, bid and committed their support to our Bamboozle Gala this year.
Unit 10 St Mary's Works | 115 Burnmoor Street | Leicester LE2 7JL | 0116 255 2065
Registered Charity Number: 1136157 | Registered in England and Wales.
Company No. 7193792
