Farnham-based charity, Help Autistic Children, held its second Sensational Summer Ball at which £15,000 was raised to continue to help the charity to support local families with an autistic child.
Charity spokeswoman, Jane Powis, expressed her delight that the evening had been such a resounding success thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of the guests.
"They not only supported us financially, but they were determined that the evening was going to be enormous fun. It was a glittering event and already we're being asked when we are holding our next ball."
Beginning with a Champagne Reception and a free prize draw held in the magnificent grounds of Edgeborough School, guests spilled out onto the lawns to enjoy the summer sun.
Andrew Lodge Estate Agents generously sponsored the reception as well as the prize of a champagne balloon flight for two.
Chairman, Nigel Kaula, opened the ball with a heartfelt speech of thanks on behalf of Jemima, Ben and Annika, three local autistic children who have been supported by the charity.
He said that the support of hundreds of local companies, individuals and volunteers had guaranteed a dramatic change to the lives of these children and that the aim of the charity in their second year was to raise in excess of £35,000 to help a further three children.
The setting for the evening was a starlit marquee, courtesy of Classic Technical Services and donated by Alfred Bull & Co Ltd. The Farnham Lions once again provided an expert team of volunteers to run the bar and DJ, Bob Hall, ensured that the various fundraising games throughout dinner were very successful.
It was then down to auctioneer, Alan Biddle, from British Car Auctions, to ensure that a fantastic £8,700 was raised at the auction. Under his watchful eye, guests bid for prizes which included magnums of champagne donated by the Champagne Academy, a round of golf at Wentworth and a fabulous holiday to Majorca by Airtours.
Guests then took up the challenge to dance the night away to The Pleasurehouse Band and the Blue Flash Disco.
Jane Powis thanked the Lions of Farnham, Edgeborough School, Andrew Lodge Estate Agents, Alfred Bull & Co and, of course, the Help Autistic Children Ball Committee.
The list of companies supporting the evening included most of the retailers and businesses in Farnham, together with numerous national businesses – the list of acknowledgements had required two full pages in the programme.
Anyone wanting information on autism should contact Help Autistic Children, Lingwood, Eglinton Road, Rushmoor and anyone wanting information on forthcoming events, which include a raffle to win a car, a golf day at Hankley Common Golf Course and the now famous Jazz Nights should ring 01252 781099.