Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is thanking guests who attended their Sparkling Afternoon Tea on Friday 29 March. It was a gloriously sunny afternoon full of delicious treats, laughter and generosity, as over £3,000 (still counting!) was raised for the Charity; each year the Hospice provides essential care and support to 3600 patients living with a life-limiting illness and their families, free of charge.
The Sparkling Afternoon Tea has long been a favourite of supporters who enjoy a spot of indulgence and luxury. The 2019 event has already set a new record for the Charity, as places to the March date sold out in less than four weeks! Due to demand and its obvious popularity (and to console those who might have missed out!) Arthur Rank Hospice will be hosting a second Sparkling Afternoon Tea on Friday 7 June. Bookings can be made online now at https://www.arhc.org.uk/afternoon-tea-party.asp
Senior Events and Marketing Office, Tasha Hills, explains how important the event has become to the Hospice, which needs to secure £8.25 million this year:“Since Afternoon Tea started in 2010, it has raised over £25,000 for the Hospice. This would not have been possible without our wonderful guests, who not only booked their places, but also generously bought raffle tickets and made bids in the silent auction, to help boost the total raised.
“We had a lovely afternoon and were delighted to welcome some familiar faces and some new. One family we hadn’t met before had experienced the Hospice’s support for their relative last year and were delighted to be able to ‘give something back’. Huge thanks to all of our guests, who helped make it such a memorable and enjoyable afternoon.”
Greeted with a glass of prosecco upon arrival, guests at the Sparking Afternoon Tea were invited to browse boutique stalls including jewellery by Tricia Taylor Designs, hand-made bags, toys and gifts on The Friends of Margaret Warner stall, greetings cards from Flamingo Stationery and specially selected Arthur Rank Hospice merchandise, during the afternoon.
Guests are treated at Quy Mill Hotel’s Sparkling Afternoon Tea – and served a delicious array of delicate finger sandwiches, mouth-watering desserts, clotted cream scones and cups of tea - whilst enjoying the good company of friends and family.
On Friday, a winning bid of £335 for a special silent auction prize, was made by a lady who is planning to surprise a loved one (so her identity and the item are being kept secret for now!).
A total of £871 was raised in the raffle which included an impressive range of prizes kindly donated by Shepreth Wildlife Park, Fortnum and Mason, Cambridge Escape Rooms, Orchard Tea Rooms and Quy Mill Hotel and Spa.
Following the success of this event, the Hospice’s fundraising team are preparing for another Afternoon Tea on 7 June: 50 places have already been booked, so guests are encouraged to sign up soon to avoid disappointment. The Arthur Rank Hospice Charity team would also be extremely grateful to hear from any local businesses or organisations who might like to donate equivalent prizes to wow the guests.
If you would like to donate a prize for the auction or raffle, please contact Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s fundraising team on 01223 675888, or email tasha.hills@arhc.org.uk.
Bookings for the June event are limited to approximately 120 places and can be made at https://www.arhc.org.uk/afternoon-tea-party.asp or by calling the number above.