Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance held a wonderful Gala Dinner on Saturday 23rd March at the Crown Hotel in Blandford Forum. The special fundraising event was in celebration of the charity’s 24th Anniversary and was attended by 100 guests.
Sponsored by Leonardo Helicopters and LFS, those who attended were greeted and treated to the beautiful sound of Tamsyn Berry and Graham Maunder who played as they arrived. Tamsyn suffered serious life-changing injuries after a road traffic incident back in 2020 and has since made remarkable progress in her recovery.
The venue looked incredible, as did the guests, who ate, laughed (and cried at times) and danced the night away to music provided by the brilliant Haus Band.
A fantastic night of fundraising started with a raffle which had an incredible array of prizes.
Then came the auction; William Batt (Duke’s Auctioneer) took this under his control and a dramatic bidding display took place for some of the extra special gifts that had been donated.
The evening was a fabulous success and raised £20,000 for the life-saving charity which receives no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and relies on public support.
Emma Jones, DSAA Fundraising Manager was delighted with the event and said: “What a beautiful evening we had. My team worked so hard to make it special for those who attended and it really was. I want to thank everyone who made the event happen for us, including our event sponsors Leonardo Helicopters and LFS, the many businesses who show their ongoing support regularly and attended the night, of course the wonderful Tamsyn Berry who has inspired us all with her amazing determination and recovery, all those who donated raffle and auction prizes and everyone who played their part, be it small or large, in helping us
to raise such a fantastic amount. We are now looking ahead to next year; our very special 25th Anniversary and our plans are bigger and better. We can’t wait to share them with you all.”
More information about Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk