Big-hearted volunteers in Durham organised a lunch for R.A.B.I – and raised an incredible £32,800!

It’s the largest amount generated by any single R.A.B.I fundraiser this year – across the whole of England and Wales – and the most raised by a single charity fundraising event since 2013.

The lunch was held in a marquee in the gardens of Thornton Hall, Darlington, by kind permission of Mike and Susan Manners. Now a Grade I listed building, Thornton Hall was built in 1550 and has seen many changes over the years. Mike and Sue have lived there since 1989, creating the magnificent gardens, imaginative plant combinations and breath-taking vistas that exist today.

Some 480 people attended the lunch and a ‘golden ticket’ raffle brought in around £5,000. A live auction generated a further £11,630 and a silent auction made approximately £3,720. Significant funds also came from ticket sales, bar-takings and sponsorship.

“The tickets sold out within a fortnight and there was a waiting list for cancellations,” explained Sally Conner, regional manager for the North East. “Raffle tickets sold out in half-an-hour and the party carried on late into the evening.

“I’m so proud of everyone who was involved in this event, including voluntary members of our hardworking Durham committee. To raise more than £32,000 through a lunch is simply incredible.”

Tim Sedgewick, chair of the Durham committee, said: “This was an event that is unprecedented for our committee. The generosity shown by the Manners family, our guests and our supporters is very humbling.

“Our aim was to be able to support the local farming community should the occasion occur, and I can truly say that we have succeeded.”

Interested in coming to one of our events? Find out what we have coming up.