Southernhay based Chartered Accountants Haines Watts specialising in the owner managed business sector and their sister company Haines Watts Financial Services hosted a special fundraising networking event to launch their new charity of the year, Families for Children Adoption (FFC). Attracting over 100 guests from the local business community the event held at the Exeter Audi dealership during National Adoption Week raised £1500 for the charity.
The evening ‘kicked off’ with special guest appearance from Welsh squad Rugby player Craig Mitchell of Exeter Chiefs. Mark Tyler, former sports commentator of ITV Westcountry, new co-owner of Exeter FM and Vice Patron of FFC talked about his own experience of adoption in Exeter. He then carried out a live interview with Craig Mitchell on his World Rugby Tour experience followed by a lively Q&A session with the audience. Local businessman, Nick Agg-Manning volunteered his time as auctioneer and there was also a charity raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. One of the main auction prizes was donated by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue for a day out for six people with visits to the fire stations including the Airport and hands on fire training.
Senior Partner at Haines Watts Ben de Cruz says “We chose Families for Children as our new Charity of the Year following a visit to their offices located in the grounds at Buckfast Abbey. Caroline Davis the CEO and her team gave an emotive presentation. We also had the chance to meet a family who had adopted three siblings who were very passionate about the charity and their ongoing support. The launch event was highly successful and everyone had a wonderful night at the prestigious Exeter Audi dealership with some fabulous top of the range cars on display which proved very popular. We have so many people to thank who gave up their valuable time on the night including Nick Agg-Manning, Mark Tyler and all the businesses who made such generous donations for the charity raffle and auction. Craig Mitchell was a great draw and we have had really positive feedback from our guests.”
Allison Colton Fundraising & Publicity Co-ordinator says “Families for Children are delighted to have been named as Charity of the Year for Haines Watts and it was great that they chose National Adoption Week to hold their first fundraising event for us. Thank you to everyone who attended and donated so generously. Haines Watts use the strap line Local Matters, National Strength - we are a local charity placing children from all over the UK with loving adoptive families in the South-West - so for us too that has real meaning.”
For further information please visit www.hwca.com/exeter
Photos courtesy of Mark Campbell - www.onthemarkphotography.co.uk
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