The High Sheriff’s Command Performance at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has raised £55,000 for Suffolk charities
A spectacular gala evening has raised £55,000 for Suffolk charities.
The High Sheriff of Suffolk’s Command Performance hosted by High Sheriff, Mark Pendlington, was held at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday.
The glittering event raises money for the High Sheriff’s Fund managed by Suffolk Community Foundation and for Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
The money goes to support organisations promoting citizenship, community safety and crime prevention.
High Sheriff, Mark Pendlington, said: “This special evening was all about Suffolk being at its best and most generous.
“Everyone came together to help target funding and support to those who need and deserve it the most, many of whom I have had the privilege of meeting during my time as High Sheriff.
“A big Suffolk thank you to everyone who made this wonderful evening such a resounding success.”
National treasure and Strictly Come Dancing Star, Angela Rippon CBE, set the scene as compere for national and local performers.
This included ballet performances by Gary Avis MBE and Christina Arestis of The Royal Ballet Company to soul-stirring melodies by Christina Johnston and the London Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir.
They evening culminated in a powerful finale rendition Lean on Me, featuring Izo FitzRoy, with a rare combination of powerful vocals along with the Full Company.
Owen Calvert-Lyons, Artistic Director and CEO of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, said: “The High Sheriff so generously selected us as one of his charities to benefit from this event, and we were very proud to host this wonderful occasion” remarked
“It was an evening showcasing enormous talent on our stage, raising funds for the very best of causes in Suffolk.
“At Theatre Royal, we raise over 18 per cent of our income through fundraising and proceeds from this evening will help us to continue our work in the community, reaching 9,000 people each year through our participation programme and working with 84 schools annually.
“We are so grateful to all those that supported this event.”
The evening’s live charity auction, conducted by Edward Crichton ASFAV of Lacy Scott and Knight, included exclusive experiences such an evening for Two with Gary Avis and The Royal Ballet Company, where you can watch from the wings, as he performs in one of the Royal Ballet Classic Productions.
A Champagne twilight rooftop tour of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, and a guided Tour of Elveden Hall, given by Lord Iveagh.
In addition to the Live Auction, there was a Golden Ticket Prize Draw offering the winner an overnight stay at Milsoms Kesgrave’s brand new Gatehouse Suite, complete with dinner and a spa day.
Melanie Craig, chief executive, Suffolk Community Foundation said: “Charities across Suffolk are working tirelessly to support people in our communities, facing so many challenges right now.
“The money raised will enable them to continue their vital work. We are incredibly grateful to the immense generosity of everyone who bought theatre tickets, golden tickets and bid in the auction, and to the High Sheriff for hosting this fabulous event.”
The event sponsors included main sponsor Birketts LLP, Abbeygate Wealth Management, Chassis Cab, SunEnviro, and SMART Modular Buildings, whose contributions helped make the event a resounding success.
The High Sheriff of Suffolk’s Legacy Auction is live online until 8pm on Sunday, March 24.
To view auction lots and consider bidding, please visit www.highsheriffofsuffolklegacyauction.com
