At a Glance
- Guests: 80
- Location: Apothecaries’ Hall, London
- Objective: Unite an invitation-only community of wine enthusiasts, collectors and philanthropists for an exceptional gala dinner raising vital funds for Cure Parkinson’s.
The Brief
The Grand Crusaders brings together a select community with a shared appreciation of exceptional wine and a commitment to finding a cure for Parkinson’s. Membership is by invitation, with each member donating a case of wine, held in bond, from their personal collection to be auctioned in support of the charity.
For its second annual gala dinner, Cure Parkinson’s wanted an evening that reflected the distinction of this community and the generosity behind it. The experience needed to combine outstanding wines, fine dining and meaningful fundraising, while giving the charity’s team time to nurture relationships with its supporters.
Steeped in history and tradition, Apothecaries’ Hall provided a prestigious livery setting perfectly suited to the occasion. Saving Grace Events was appointed to bring the planning and delivery together, creating a polished experience worthy of the wines, the guests and the cause.
Our Approach
Working closely with Cure Parkinson’s and its development board, we shaped an evening that celebrated the Grand Crusaders’ generosity and placed the guest experience at the heart of the fundraising.
A four-course fine dining menu with carefully considered wine pairings formed the centrepiece of the gala. Wines donated by members included English sparkling wine from The Grange and exceptional selections from a founder’s private collection, giving guests a rare opportunity to enjoy wines shared especially for the occasion.
We designed bespoke brochures and supporting collateral to showcase the wines served and offered at auction. These brought the quality and character of the collections into focus, creating a cohesive presentation across the dining and fundraising experience.
Alongside this, we managed the end-to-end auction process, coordinating with Cure Parkinson’s, Givergy and Bonhams. From uploading auction lots and preparing the fundraising platform to supporting delivery on the night, we took the detailed preparation off the charity’s hands. The silent auction opened ahead of the dinner, with table-side iPads enabling guests to continue bidding throughout the evening. Bonhams conducted the live auction, providing a focal point for the fundraising.
The programme balanced the occasion’s traditions with conversation, entertainment and opportunities to give. We brought together the venue, hosts and production partners to maintain an effortless flow, allowing Cure Parkinson’s to be fully present with its guests.
Highlights
- An exclusive gala dinner for an invitation-only community of collectors and philanthropists.
- A prestigious London livery venue rich in history and tradition.
- A four-course fine dining experience paired with exceptional donated wines.
- Bespoke brochures and collateral showcasing private collections and auction lots.
- End-to-end auction coordination, with Givergy supporting digital fundraising and Bonhams conducting the live auction.
- Thoughtful planning and delivery that gave the charity’s team time to focus on supporter relationships.
The Result
The Grand Crusaders raised approximately £1,000 per guest on the night, contributing to an overall six-figure fundraising total in support of Cure Parkinson’s.
The evening translated the generosity of private collectors into a distinctive shared experience and vital charitable support. Exceptional wine, considered hospitality and engaging auctions came together in an occasion that reflected the calibre of the Grand Crusaders and their commitment to the cause.
For Cure Parkinson’s, the value extended beyond the fundraising total. With Saving Grace Events managing the preparation and delivery, its team could spend meaningful time with supporters, confident that the evening was in hand. The partnership will continue with Saving Grace Events supporting the charity’s forthcoming gala.
