Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Collars and Coats Gala Ball: David Gandy & Amanda Holden Shine

Battersea Dogs Take Centre Stage at Star-Studded Charity Gala Event

 

A host of celebrities from stage, screen, sport, fiction and fashion sashayed down the red carpet for the fifth annual Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013 on Thursday, 7th November at Battersea Evolution in London, as this year’s event went all “Hollywoof” with its unique homage to the golden age of cinema.

David Gandy Paul O'Grady & Amanda

The star-studded charity bash welcomed renowned personalities through its famous doors, with Battersea Ambassador and international supermodel David Gandy, popular author Dame Jacqueline Wilson OBE, football legend Gary Lineker with his wife Danielle and dance aficionados Craig Revel Horwood and Arlene Philips, all walking the red carpet in support of London’s premier charity event in support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s work to rescue and rehome abandoned dogs and cats. Also in attendance was American music icon Jocelyn Brown. Adding the cute factor was doggy star Pudsey, who was accompanied by his owner Ashleigh Butler.

 

Guests on the red carpet were welcomed by the legendary and unique Battersea dog ‘guard of honour’, as around 50 of the charity’s dogs in need of new homes lined the way.

 

The world-famous event was hosted by Battersea Ambassadors and TV favourites Amanda Holden and Paul O’Grady MBE and was presided over by royalty His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO and Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent.

 

London’s foremost social gathering saw guests treated to an exclusive champagne cocktail reception and sumptuous three-course banquet, as their senses were dazzled by an evening of eclectic entertainment, emotive speeches and a luxurious, one-of-its-kind Auction of Dreams. Guests were also charmed by the posters on display featuring Battersea dogs and staff mimicking legendary movie star mutts, promoting the Hollywoof themed gala ball. Lady & The Tramp and Toto from the Wizard of Oz are some of Hollywood’s most recognisable doggie icons, but this time the stars of the show were some of Battersea’s four-legged friends, who loved ‘pawsing’ for pictures with Battersea staff in place of their better-known canine comrades. The posters accompany new survey results, which show the UK’s favourite dog movie is Disney’s Lady & The Tramp, followed by Marley & Me and the Wizard of Oz.

 

In tribute to the legends of the silver screen there was a foot-tapping set from London show-stoppers The Rat Pack. Guests were transported back to the vintage era of the movies as tribute act The Rat Pack took to the stage to recreate the sounds of legends Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. Complete with an impressive 18 piece big band and glamorous showgirls, the audience were treated to a truly unforgettable experience by one of Britain’s longest running and most successful tributes to the cool cats of Hollywood. Also taking to the stage for a rousing set was American soul diva Jocelyn Brown. Adding the classical quotient was internationally acclaimed operatic rock quartet, Passionata, who mesmerised with their repertoire of four-part harmonies.

 

Other highlights included an exclusive auction with an array of luxury, bespoke gifts donated by a variety of UK and international brands as well as the Home’s supporters. Craig Revel Horward took to the stage to encourage guests to show their generosity for the “heads and tails” fundraising drive.

 

Among the sensational prizes was an amazing  money can’t buy opportunity to go for a walk in the park with a top Hollywood movie star, Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, swoon at an international supermodel David Gandy or stroll with a chart-topping singer, Mollie King. Bidders can show their support for Battersea and secure a dog walking date with nine famous dog lovers at www.collarsandcoats.org.uk/ebay. The amazing online auction, the first of its kind in the UK, runs until midnight on Friday 8 November.

 

Other auction treats included an all-expenses paid, once in a life time opportunity to attend the red carpet premiere of the ‘Godfather of Hollywood’ Al Pacino’s next film in New York, Wilde Salome, including an exclusive meet and greet with Al Pacino himself. There will also be an experience day at Gaydon for six people, where James Bond’s favourite car Aston Martin is manufactured. The lucky prize bidders will be immersed in a tour of the factory, learn more about the heritage of the brand, dine in the design studio whilst viewing models in their pre-production phase and enjoy a spin in an Aston Martin around the Warwickshire countryside, enjoying the freedom of the road and the spirit of the machine.

 

It costs over £18m to run Battersea each year, and with no government funding, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball is all about helping increase awareness of the important work the charity does each and every day of the year to offer a second chance in life to thousands of animals. Last year nearly 9,000 dogs and cats needed Battersea’s care and attention to help find them the best possible new homes.

 

For further information on the event, please visit http://www.collarsandcoats.org.uk

For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and to pledge donations, please visit www.battersea.org.uk


Rally For The Rainforest At Online Celebrity Auction

Want to shop and do good? Of course you do.

‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, the RFUK’s fabulous and exclusive public auction of one-off gifts donated by celebrities, luxury labels and esteemed Foundation friends, returns for a fourth year. Open to everyone through an RFUK pop-up shop on eBay, the 12 day auction, running from November 20 to December 1, will offer various gleaming goodies for every savvy shopper ready to raise funds to protect the world’s rainforests.

James Bates - collage in a white box frame

James Bates – collage in a white box frame.

The auction can be found at www.ebay.co.uk/12days

 

As well as countless surprises to be announced in the lead up to the auction launch, lots currently include: A catered day out at the Wiltshire Lakehouse Estate home from Sting and Trudie Styler, VIP autographed guest tickets to the filming of QI from Stephen Fry, signed goodies from Sir Bruce Forsyth and Mark Rylance, signed sporting goods from members of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs FCs, Tea for Four in Parliament with The Rt Hon Zac Goldsmith MP, many course meals with wine from the OXO Tower Restaurant, Terre a Terre and the Michelin-starred Quilon, tickets for award winning London shows including Spamalot, Woman In Black  and The English National Ballet’s Le Corsaire, exclusive London Fashion Week items from Volcom, Emma J Shipley, Eda London and Begg Scotland, a stunning bracelet from Zoe & Morgan plus limited edition signed art from Rob Ryan, Kid Acne, Ben Frost, Eelus, Rosie Emerson, Russell Marshall, Graham Carter and a very rare 1 of 3 paint on canvas from acclaimed artist Fin DAC worth over £1,000 (kindly donated by art concept store Beautiful Crime) and much, much more! This is just a sample of what is available at what will no doubt be a spectacular fourth year for the 12 Days of Christmas event. More lots to be announced soon via @RFUK, Facebook and the RFUK website.

The Buckley Poppy Now Available in Support of The Royal British Legion

In support of the Royal British Legion, QVC has introduced the beautiful Buckley Poppy to mark Remembrance Day on 11th of November. These great accessories are available as cufflinks, key-rings, bracelets and brooches. QVC has raised £378,000 so far, help them to raise more by splashing out.

300167 Buckley Crystal Poppy Brooch  £21.00 B1077 BT747 KR007Available from QVC.co.uk

 

Jemima Khan, Ewan McGregor & Robbie Turn Out at UNICEF UK Halloween Ball to Help Children of Syria

Long-standing UNICEF Ambassadors Jemima Khan, Ewan McGregor and Robbie Williams were among guests at UNICEF UK’s star–studded Halloween Ball, raising vital funds for UNICEF’s work helping the children of Syria. The event raised an amazing £1million, made possible by the UK Government matching all donations on the night pound for pound.

UNICEF UK Ambassador, Jemima Khan said, “For over two years, the children of Syria have been witnessing and experiencing one horror after another. I have seen UNICEF’s work in emergencies all over the World. They work tirelessly to reach every child, but they cannot do it alone and the need has never been so urgent, particularly with winter approaching. We hope to raise vital funds tonight at The Halloween Ball this evening for the children of Syria and I am very grateful to the UK government who have pledged to match pound for pound everything we raise.”

UNICEF UK Halloween Ball UNICEF UK Halloween Ball UNICEF UK Halloween Ball

 

High-profile personalities from the worlds of entertainment, fashion and business,turned out at London’s iconic venue, One Mayfair, in fancy dress to support UNICEF’s work to help children caught up in the Syria crisis. More than four million Syrian children, one million of whom are refugees, are in urgent need of aid.

 

UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams gave an electrifying exclusive performance, with fellow Ambassador Ewan McGregor joining him on stage for a surprise rendition of the all time classic, Angels.

 

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to an immersive theatre extravaganza from Look Left Look Right in the crypt of the former church; as well as magical tricks from Drummond Money-Coutts. Isaac Ferry kick-started the DJ sets, followed by Queens of Noize DJs Tabitha Denholm and Lisa Moorish who took over the party until 2.00am. The whole venue was scented by Jo Malone London.

 

UNICEF UK Executive Director, David Bull said: “Many children caught up in the current Syria crisis have been killed, maimed, orphaned, displaced, witnessed violence and lost their family members and friends; the need is desperate. We are so grateful for the fantastic support that all of our guests at the first ever UNICEF UK Halloween Ball have shown this evening, and to the UK Government for matching pound for pound all donations made from tonight, and over the next three months, to UNICEF’s work for Syria’s children.”

 

Tonight’s match funding is part of the UK Government’s wider support for UNICEF’s work helping the children of Syria in what is currently the largest humanitarian operation in history. Over the next three months the UK Government will match pound for pound all public donations made to UNICEF’s work for the children of Syria.

 

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation, is working on the ground to provide water, education, medicine and psychological support inside Syria and for refugee children in five neighbouring countries. But the numbers are only getting bigger and lack of funding means UNICEF cannot reach every child in need.

 

UNICEF UK Ambassador, Ewan McGregor said: “As it stands today, there are more than one million child refugees and more than three million children needing urgent help inside Syria; the situation for them is critical. UNICEF is working day and night to provide clean water, vaccinations, education, and psychological support to those children. However, the essential supplies are running low; the Halloween Ball will play a very important role in raising the vital missing funds UNICEF needs to reach every child.”

 

UNICEF is the first great charity that the UK Government plans to support with match funding to help the children of Syria this winter.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said, “Syria’s people are experiencing unimaginable hardship with millions of children in particular facing a bleak and uncertain future. The UK has already committed its largest ever humanitarian response to the crisis and we are now teaming up with UNICEF to double the power of donations from the British public. Our partnership with UNICEF means that donations to UNICEF’s appeal for the children of Syria will be matched pound for pound by the UK Government.”

 

Text ‘SYRIA’ to 70007 to donate £5 to help UNICEF reach even more children in desperate need.

Hardlyeverwornit.com & Donna Air Host UNICEF Fundraising Halloween Party Dorchester

A favourite of celebrities and fashionistas who wish to recycle and refresh their wardrobes, hardlyeverwornit.com, the London based platform for the international buying and selling of previously owned luxury fashion, hosted an exclusive event with UNICEF as beneficiary. Sponsored by Santander the event, held on Wednesday 30th October, from 6.30 – 10pm, in the Penthouse & Pavilion Suite of The Dorchester Hotel, hardlyeverwornit.com client, Donna Air, co-hosted the event with guests including: Anya Garnis, Harold Tillman, Ivetta Lukosuite, Kamailya Zahoor, Kate Hardcastle, Kimberley Garner, Laura Wright,Lizzie Cundy, Nancy Dell’Olio, Nitin Ganatara, Noelle Reno, Patrick Grant and Stuart Higgins

Nancy Dell'Olio and Kamailya Zahoor

Nancy Dell’Olio and Kamailya Zahoor

Donna Air and Sharon Wolter-Ferguson

Donna Air and Sharon Wolter-Ferguson

Kimberley Garner

Kimberley Garner

Attendees of the event brought hardly ever worn garments from their closets which will be auctioned online from Wednesday, November 13th, for 5 days, with all proceeds going to Unicef. Donations so far include those listed below, with more being added daily:

Kimberley Garner: Halston Heritage Evening Dress
Emma Logue: The Logue Dress
Nancy Dell’Olio: Roberto Cavalli Dress
Patrick Grant: Hermes Tie
Laura Wright: T by Alexander Wang Evening Dress
Peter Crouch: Signed Shirt and Meet and Greet with Abbey Clancey
Preeya Kalidas: DSQUARED Dress
Noelle Reno: Lulu’s Estate, Platinum and Diamond Stud Earrings
David Sheehan: Hermes Tie and Vivienne Westwood Dress
Patricia Erskine: An original Planet Hollywood Leather Jacket, a gift to her from Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis

This is in addition to items previously donated for the auction, including:
HEWI_Pre_Event_Press_Release_5

Harry Styles, unwashed clothes, win, competition

Sienna Miller, coat, win, competition

Harry Styles: SS14 leopard print top, worn to the Burberry show in September, and since unwashed
Harold Tillman: 2002 Burton England football suit signed by all the team members including David Beckham
Donna Air: Beige Burberry dress
Chloe Green: Black Yves Saint Laurent dress
Ronnie Wood: Signed shirt with his hand drawn music notes on the collar and cuffs
Jo Wood: Sequin Gucci minidress
Jenson Button: Signed 2013 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team shirt
Kamaliya Zahoor: The Diane Von Furstenberg dress she wore in the ‘Meet the Russians’ campaign shoot

What will you bid on?

 

Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction Goes Live as Bidding Kicks off for Money-Can’t-Buy Experiences

Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction is officially underway in a bid to raise £1million for cancer services.

 

The latest item racked up 20 bids within hours of going online while others attracted thousands of pounds worth of offers as bidders go head to head to win money-can’t-buy experiences; one prize currently sits on an offer of over £7,000 with two weeks of bidding left to go.

 

Manchester United is the latest to join an impressive list of sporting stars, celebrities and leading businesses who have donated to the auction including Jose Mourinho, Andre Villas-Boas, Graeme Swann, Kieron Dyer, Bill Nighy, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden.

 

Latest items include an award winning catamaran all inclusive trip around the British Virgin Islands, lunch with British actor Bill Nighy, VIP tickets to Britain’s Got talent, a VIP Bayern Munich Experience with Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, a table in the Blue Riband on Ladies Day at Ascot and a one-off experience to accompany Kieron Dyer as his personal guest to watch Real Madrid play Barcelona.

 

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, comments, “The online auction is a fantastic way to help us continue the work my father started and raise crucial funds for cancer charities. We are overwhelmed by the generous donation from FIFA. I urge people, clubs and companies to consider donating, however big or small, and bidding to help us reach our £1million target.”

 

Gina Long, the auction founder, said “It is so exciting to launch the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction with this incredible item from FIFA. I encourage everyone to head to the website and register to bid as an item like this is bound to be a favourite with football fans! Not into football? Check out our other auction items, there is literally something for everyone!”

 

Running from 10 – 27 October, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough will raise crucial funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and cancer services within two Suffolk Hospitals.

 

Proudly backed by headline supporter BT Sport, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough auction items for 2013 include tickets to the JLS goodbye concert, lunch with Bill Nighy, flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as Kieron Dyer’s special guest, a VIP trip to next year’s F1 in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet, incredible sporting art from Ben Mosley, a week sailing on a luxury catamaran ‘Akasha’, a one-on-one personal bowling tuition with England cricketer Graeme Swann at Lords, Paul Gascoigne’s England shirt from a pre-Italia ‘90 training game, the opportunity to have a team play a six-a-side tournament at St. George’s Park in 2014 and a week-long stay at The Brewers House in Southwold donated by Adnams.

 

The auction is now live– to bid go to www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.comand click the ‘Regsiter to Bid’ button.

*Visit www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.com for full terms and conditions. Accommodation and flights not included.

 

A taster of some of the TOP Sports Auction Items so far!

 

1.       FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich

This is a very rare opportunity to attend the glamorous ceremony which acknowledges those at the top of their game. Two lucky guests will attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich 2014 and be a part of football history. Who will be named best manager? Will Barcelona’s Lionel Messi claim best player for an unprecedented fifth year?!

2.       FC Barcelona home match

A once in a lifetime opportunity for two people to attend training at FC Barcelona, arguably one of the greatest teams ever, featuring Lionel Messi, already an all-time great player and the best footballer at work in the world now.

 

3.       Real Madrid vs. Barcelona with Kieron Dyer

One lucky football fan will win flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as former England midfielder, Kieron Dyer’s special guest.

4.       Manchester United VIP Experience

 

An amazing chance to to attend a Manchester United game at Old Trafford during the 2013-2014 regular season, as well as watching the team train at the Aon Training Complex and a private tour of the facility. Any Man U fan’s dream!

 

5.       Walk in Mourinho’s shoes

A chance to own Chelsea Managers, Jose Mourinho’s signed, personalised and worn football boots. Includes photo of authenticity. Donated by Jose Mourinho

6.       A day at Derby County Football Club in the Toyota Suite

The day will include car parking, tour of the stadium, pre-match meal in the Toyota Suite and match tickets to view the game in the Directors Box for 2 people

 

7.       Table for 4 on our VIP package in the Champions Gallery on 1,000 Guineas day

 

8.       Essex County Cricket Club

Two lucky cricket teams will go head to head at the Essex County Cricket Ground. Pull together your friends, family or colleagues, don your whites and enjoy a friendly innings* on these professional grounds. Donated by Derek Bowden of Essex County Cricket

*Dates to be agreed by Essex County Cricket Grounds

9.       Gazza’s shirt

One lucky bidder will walk away with Paul Gascoigne’s pre-World Cup Italia ‘90s training game shirt. After a game against Tunisia, England hotshot, Gazza dug out his England 19 shirt from the bottom of his kit bag and gave it to Giacomo Malvermi, Sir Bobby’s Italia ’90 translator. Donated by Giacomo Malvermi

 

10.   Drive an Audi R8 Supercar for a day

Fancy cruising in a fabulous Audi R8?  Our friends at Ipswich Audi are offering the winning bidder the opportunity to spend a day driving this incredible car

11.   Spin bowl with Swanny

Join England professional cricketer Graeme Swann for a one-on-one personal bowling session at Lords Cricket Ground. Donated by Graeme Swann

12.   Shinji Kagawa Signed Football Boots

This is a your chance to own a pair of very special signed football boots by Shinji Kagawa and he’s personally presenting them to the winning bidder and a guest and a photo will capture the moment at Manchester United Carrington Road Training Ground. Dates to be agreed by Shinji Kagawa.

 

13.   A VIP F1 experience

A VIP trip to next year’s F1 Grand Prix in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet. Donated by CMX Event and Aeris Aviation

14.   Drive the incredible McLaren MP4-12C at a world famous race circuit.

A unique chance to drive the incredible McLaren 12C at a famous UK or European race circuit – an amazing experience not normally available to the public. McLaren are inviting one lucky winner to come along, with their guest, to learn from professional drivers and experience the thrill of driving the 200MPH McLaren MP4-12C.

 

Talk tactics with AVB

The opportunity for two people to visit the Tottenham Hotspur’s new training centre, to watch training and then have lunch with Andre Villas-Boas. Donated by Andre Villas-Boas

15.   VIPEngland Experience

A fantastic opportunity for two people to attend an England Senior Men’s football team training session ahead of an England home international fixture in 2014. You will also be presented with an England 2014 football shirt signed by members of the Senior England Men’s squad with full hospitality at The FA Club and FA club tickets. Donated by The Football Association

 

16.   MotoGP™ VIP tickets

This incredible package includes a pair of VIP tickets for the MotoGP™ in Valencia, Spain (8-10 November, 2013), return flights and transfers, half board accommodation, access to the race circuit viewing area, a meet and greet with the Monster Yamaha TECH3 riders and a garage and paddock tour. Donated by Stanley Black & Decker

17.   VIP tickets to World Snooker Final

Two VIP tickets to attend both sessions of the Final of the 2014 World Snooker Championship at The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield on Monday, 5 May 2014 which includes prime seats for thearena, a back stage tour and a VIP invitation to attend the post Final Champions Reception (tickets are not available to the public).

 

18.   Ultimate NCFC experience

You and a guest have a chance to enjoy a tailor-made VIP home match experience. This prize includes a stadium tour, delicious meal in the Directors Lounge, plus tailor made extras – for example, if you would like to bring a child with you Norwich City FC will look at potentially making them mascot for the day. Donated by Norwich City FC.

19.   Equestrian Training with Mary King

A fantastic full day experience for two people, with one of Britain’s most prolific gold medallist equestrians , with a profile spanning over 30 years, including 2 World Championship Gold medals, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals. Mary and team GB won Silver at London 2012 in a beautiful performance.

 

Sasha Wilkins (LLG) to host uniquely stylish afternoon tea party

Liberty London GirlLRNatural, fair and delicious Clipper Teas has launched a series of very special afternoon tea parties hosted by celebrity florist Nikki Tibbles, English gardener Rachel de Thame, and style blogger Liberty London Girl (A.K.A Sasha Wilkins) in aid of national charity, Contact the Elderly.

The three ladies – known for their mix of stunning interiors, blossoming gardens, and enviable style credentials – will each personally host a unique afternoon tea party this Winter. Ticket-holders will be invited to devour luxurious treats and sample a range of Clipper teas in stunning surroundings, including Nikki’s very own period home, Rachel’s botanical haven, and LLG’s Regent’s Canal barge.

A limited number of tickets, priced at £25 each, will go on sale in October. 100% of the proceeds will go to Contact the Elderly, a worthwhile cause dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people through organising monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties.

Sasha Wilkins said: “Elderly people are all too easily forgotten about in the UK today and isolation is a problem in every community. The work that Contact the Elderly and its volunteers do is incredibly admirable, and I’m hoping to raise a lot of money and awareness for the cause by throwing the afternoon tea party of the century for my guests!”

All three tea parties will take place during November and January and further details can be found at www.clipper-teas.com/afternoon-tea-parties/

‘Duchess Kate’ Holds a Great Pink Bake Off

Leading charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer has launched the first ever Great Pink Bake Off for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  They are recruiting an army of bakers to fire up their ovens, hit the kitchen and give breast cancer a good beating this October.

 

Even ‘Kate’ is cooking up a storm in the kitchen, raising vital funds and awareness for Breakthrough’s life-saving research. On Friday 18th October simply gather your friends, family and colleagues to bring their baked goodies and ask everyone who attends to make a donation. If 18th October doesn’t work for you then you can hold a Bake Off anytime, anywhere, during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a piece of cake! www.pinkbakeoff.org

Kate’s got another bun in the oven

Duchess of Cambridge, Kate has a bun in the oven Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity

 

Sian Fraser, Head Baker for Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Great Pink Bake Off, says: “We hope everyone gets involved with this year’s Great Pink Bake Off. Not only will you have a delicious time, you’ll also be raising vital money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s life-saving work”

 

“The need for Breakthrough’s research has never been greater; breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, affecting 50,000 women every year and killing 1,000 every month. So we are urging everyone to raise some dough and help us beat breast cancer.”

 

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the UK’s leading breast cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through improving early diagnosis, developing new treatments and preventing all types of the disease.

 

Sign up today to receive your very own Great Pink Bake Off fundraising kit – it’s jam-packed with tips, tools and tasty recipes. Visit pinkbakeoff.org or call Breakthrough’s Bake Off team on 08080 100 200.