Diverse Abilities Plus, Dorset’s disability charity, held its second annual rugby lunch on Friday 14th September at Hoburne Holiday Park, Christchurch. Following on from last year’s successful lunch it really is turning into an event to keep free in your diary.
This year, the lunch raised a fantastic £11,500, with special thanks to the main sponsors Coleman Insurance and Barclays, who sponsored the event for the second year running.
Many local businesses, groups and individuals attended the event to see the two brilliant guest speakers and English Rugby legends Jason Leonard O.B.E and David Duckham M.B.E who both had the watching audience on the edge of their seats and in fits of laughter as they shared rugby anecdotes from their respected playing days. David also took a turn in presenting the auction and seemed a natural in his new found surroundings.
Alongside the entertainment from the rugby greats and delicious three course meal served, all the guests took part in the charity’s raffle, auction and ever popular Knife, Fork & Spoon game. All of this was of course to raise funds for Diverse Abilities Plus and ensure the support they offer to children and adults across Dorset continues.
The first lot in the auction was a fantastic hospitality package for two people which included match tickets, a three course lunch with complimentary beers, wines and soft drinks, match programmes and a pre-match team talk by a member of Quins coaching staff at a Harlequin Premier League game at the Twickenham Stoop, Middlesex during the 2012/2013 season, which was bought by Mark Liddle of Mark Liddle LLP.
Other lots included a framed shirt, signed by the entire England Rugby Union squad kindly donated by the current England captain Chris Robshaw and an acoustic guitar with starter kit and lessons kindly donated by Alan Barclay of Absolute Music Solutions.
The raffle contained over 20 fabulous prizes including a variety of sporting memorabilia, an assortment of food, drink and restaurant vouchers and a case of wine kindly donated by Princecroft Willis.
Sharon Wells, Events Fundraiser at Diverse Abilities Plus, said: “This year’s event was fantastic and we were very pleased with the money raised. We are most grateful to Coleman Insurance inPoolefor being our main sponsor this year and also to Barclays for their support for the second year running. We’re already planning for the next exciting Rugby Lunch being held on Friday 13th September 2013 and have great celebrities lined up!”
The money raised will be used by Diverse Abilities Plus to continue the smooth running of its services. The charity provides a range of advice and services to aid children and adults with physical and learning disabilities, while also providing support for their families.
For more information or to contact Diverse Abilities Plus please visit www.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk or call 01202 718266.
