Local Businessman Tony Wilson (and at that time chairman of Beechwood Cancer Care) wanted to create a charity sporting event that would capitalise on his own passion for clay pigeon shooting and attract his wealthy network in raising money for Beechwood Cancer Care, a charity so close to his heart. Tony wanted to create a day of healthy competition, that would be fun-packed and well catered, with marquee after-party in the evening.
We worked with the exclusive Cloudside Shooting Range to organise a day of shooting competition, in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. Cloudside boasts a rustic lodge at the hub of club which was perfect for this event, and provided the country vibes that continued into the evening.
During the day we made sure that guests were refreshed including an outdoor lunch overlooking the rolling Cheshire countryside, afternoon tea and post-shoot drinks reception accompanied by a live band.
As day turned into night, guests entered a marquee erected especially for the event and transformed with soft drapes, fairy lights, cross-back oak chairs and wooden bar into a country venue. Tables were dressed with rustic centrepieces including candles, country blooms, antlers and blossoms. Chandeliers with foliage and wisteria garlands adorned the ceilings and cosy outdoor seating areas were created for the evening with the use of furs and outdoor lanterns.
As guests were treated to a beautiful 3 course meal and fine wines from our carefully selected catering partners, they were entertained by a Jazz singer and country fashion show. This was followed by a spirited fundraising auction where guests went head to head for money-can’t-buy prizes! The marquee design also included some small mini stages which double up as dancing and performance platforms for guests and the roaming musicians who accompanied the singers and DJ’s when the party really got started.
The event successfully raised over £30,000 in bids and donations during the night, truly phenomenal for the first event of hopefully many!
A particularly challenging event with clay pigeon shooting through the the day, a full silver service dinner and then music and entertainment to party the night away. All of this as a charity fundraiser that had a tight budget that had to return a surplus. Saving Grace Events and in particular Rebecca Hartley made our event work. With many different aspects to the day, in challenging economic times and with the numbers changing daily this demanded a very flexible approach from the Saving Grace team.
The delivery exceeded expectations and guests were calling for next years date before the event was over.
Well done to everyone.
Tony Wilson.
Beechwood Cancer Care
Charity, Sporting
