The Benjamin Gautrey Foundation 6th Annual Dinner

he Annual Dinner is the Foundations main fundraiser whose vision is to support sport from grass root level, promoting the sports that Benjamin was so passionate about.

A Night at the Movies‘ was the theme for this year’s dinner, inspired by Ben’s favourite films and took place on Saturday 4th February 2017. This spectacular event was once again held at the fabulous Ribby Hall near Blackpool, lending a setting of glamour and elegance for the evening. The event was sold out and guests were welcomed by a great friend of the BGF – Claire Simmo from Liverpool’s Radio City.

Photos courtesy of Denis Oates Photography

After arriving to a Bucks Fizz reception, the evening got well underway with guests participating in an entertaining game of Heads and Tails with an amazing prize of a £50 note going to the succesful winner.
Guests were seated at movie named tables for a delicious three-course meal which was served to the accompaniment of charming vocalist Gabrielle Zanobini performing delightful melodies throughout dinner. A fun addition to the proceedings was Spencer the Artist drawing fabulous caricatures if you were a willing muse, creating masterpieces for a small donation to the Foundation.
After dinner, videos were played from beneficiaries to showcase were funding has been disbursed; including cyclist Adam Hartley, from sailing Sam CooperChris Lightfoot in dressage, and the NRG street dancers who concluded with a dynamic live performance.

We were also fortunate to have guest speaker Max Coates from the Renault Clio Cup who gave a heartfelt account of his amusing memories of Ben at Loughborough and why he has supported the Foundation since the launch.

Throughout the evening guests had the opportunity to purchase a numbered key for a chance to win a beautiful 18ct yellow gold cocktail ring in a raffle rrp £1722. With a glamorous claw set mawi kunzite measuring over 10 carats and enhanced on the shoulders with18 beautiful brilliant cut diamonds, the ring was a magnificent win for the lucky victor who had acquired the correct key to the security box.

The main event of the evening was the auction and the BGF had been fortunate to have bestowed an array of raffle and auction prizes. These included the lots listed below and were kindly donated by the following persons or companies – a massive thank you to all.
A day at Ascot Race Course • Donated by Aspire Rail
 Pair of Season Paddock Passes for British Superbikes • Donated by Stuart Higgs from MSVR
 Carbon Shimano 105 Bike • Donated by David Williams from DHW Agencies

 Yaffe Photo Shoot • Donated by Adam Yaffe & Sandra Carney at Yaffe Photography

Woburn Golf Day • Donated by Wentworth House
British Touring Car Championship – Round of Choice • Donated by Max Coates
Radio City Tower Tour • Donated by Radio City
The Belfry 4 Ball Golf Session • Donated by Torrent Trackside
Signed Neil Hodgson Portrait
Great Britain Junior Cycling Jersey • Donated by Adam Hartley
Ribby Hall • Donated
A Short Break at the 5 star Ribby Hall Village for up to 6 People in a 6 Berth Cottage
or
An overnight stay for two in The Spa Hotel inc breakfast and entrance to The Spa to Experience the Aqua Thermal Journey (Sun – Thur)

As the night advanced in to the early hours, music and dancing was top of the agenda – guests happily danced away to their favourite hits old and new, courtesy of DJ Sam Pegg.
The BGF #25 would like to thank all that attended the event and to all individuals, companies and organisations who supported and helped create this successful evening. 
Photos courtesy of Denis Oates Photography