A ball held in aid of Burnham-On-Sea RNLI station’s new lifeboat appeal has raised almost £6,000.
The Burnham-On-Sea station, based in Pier Street, is well on course to raising a total of £41,000 to fund the replacement of its D-class lifeboat Puffin by next Spring.
The latest initiative was last Saturday’s grand ball, held at the Batch Country Hotel in Lympsham which was attended by 310 dinner guests.
They were entertained by a short video presentation about the Burnham lifeboat, followed by a short talk about the fundraising project.
Many local businesses, families and friends had bought whole tables for the night, and the atmosphere at the black tie event was light-hearted and informal.
They enjoyed a three-course meal with the background of music from the ball disco.
Following the meal, entertainment by The Singing Waiters warmed up the audience before a musical set from well-known local band Riverbrew.
During a break between sets, Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies talked about the success of the evening, and gave further information about the station and talked about the selfless dedication of the station’s volunteers.
Presentations were made to the ball’s two main organisers, probationary boat crew member Lesley-Ruth Hart and shore crew/tractor driver Dan Fear. Funds were boosted by a raffle of donated prizes, plus an extensive silent auction of donated items.
The lucky ticket winner donated his prize – two nights at the recently-upgraded lifeboat college – to the auction, raising even more funds.
Organiser Lesley-Ruth Hart said: “I am still sat in awe of the immense support we had – a truly overwhelming experience.”
“To everyone who supported us – without you, we wouldn’t be a lifeboat station so the biggest thank you goes to all of you. See you next year!”
Dan Fear added: “I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along and made the 2015 Ball a great success.”
“To raise £6,000 was truly unexpected and I am humbled by your generosity. To see 310 people in a room enjoying themselves was fantastic.”
