The Benevolent Ball raises over £57,000

A record number of members of the UK drinks trade attended The Benevolent Ball at The Dorchester last night, which sold out for the second year running, raising an “unprecedented amount of over £57,000”.

Chris Porter and Joe Fattorini.

Guests were greeted by The Benevolent’s chairman Tom Yusef, who expressed his gratitude for the support given to the occasion by the trade. He presented his ‘Chairman’s Challenge’ which will see him assisting with picking at several English wineries over a seven-day period during harvest season. Yusef is aiming to raise £15,000 as part of his challenge.

Master of ceremonies, Joe Fattorini, provided added sparkle to the already free-flowing Champagne, and directed the ‘Power Pledge’ which enabled The Benevolent to raise £8,200 in less than 10 minutes.

After the speeches were over, guests moved onto the dance floor, drank cocktails from the William Grant & Sons bar, and commemorated the event by striking a pose at the selfie station.

Unsurprisingly, Fattorini was among the first to discover the photo booth…

I found a selfie booth at the @drinkscharityUK Ball pic.twitter.com/G5KeVmgzRX

— Joe Fattorini (@joefattorini) March 15, 2018

The Benevolent’s chief executive Chris Porter added: “What a night! I am delighted for so many reasons. Our friends and supporters enjoyed a great evening, raising a record amount. I am delighted that the emotional engagement in the room mirrored the incredible support of the industry to its Trade Charity.

“Above all, I am delighted that with the increased funds generated we will be able to deliver a greater level of welfare support to an even greater number of people in heed of help within our own drinks industry community. I cannot think of a better example than tonight’s event to demonstrate how this wonderful industry really does look after its own. My sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped and supported us”.