A fantastic £27,000 has been raised at Diverse Abilities’ annual rugby lunch. Now in its 9th year, the event has helped the charity raise over £200,000 since 2010.
Sponsored by Dixon Stewart, Glossbrook and Quantuma, the rugby lunch was hosted at Hoburne Holiday Park in Christchurch. Attendees were treated to a day of entertainment, with a sumptuous three-course lunch, a Q&A session, raffle, networking and auction lots.
Special celebrity appearances were made by John Bentley (also known as Bentos), a former English league and union player who won 4 caps for England during his career, David Duckham MBE who represented England in 36 games, known in his day for his great pace, swerves and side steps and Will Fraser, retired Saracens flanker.
Funds raised from the lunch will provide children and adults living with a disability a fulfilled life and encouraging future, while also providing support to their families.
Dave Absalom, General Manager at Hoburne Park commented on the event “As the Park’s charity of the year, we are thrilled to have once again hosted Diverse Abilities annual rugby lunch. Our super-talented food and beverage team delivered a wonderful event for almost 200 guests, and we are thrilled that such a fantastic amount of money has been raised for Diverse Abilities.”
Sue Reid, events manager at Diverse Abilities, talks of the event’s success: “There was such a buzz at this year’s event, everyone had a wonderful time and we have received some lovely feedback. We are thrilled with the amount of money raised by our guests and would like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a success, including those who bought a ticket, got involved with the raffle and the auction lots. We’d also like to say a big thank you to our wonderful sponsors, Dixon Stewart Quantuma and Glossbrook.
“Every penny raised enables the vital work of Diverse Abilities to continue, making a difference to children and adults, and their families, living with disabilities throughout Dorset.”
For more information on Diverse Abilities please visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk or call 01202 718266.