Drinks trade charity ball raises £40k

A charity ball organised by drinks industry charity The Benevolent, and which saw the late Michael Cox’s 12-vintage Taittinger collection sold at auction, has raised more than £40,000.

The Benevolent Ball saw top figures and personalities from the UK drinks industry gather to support their trade at The Dorchester hotel to help raise money to support those in need within the trade.

The event saw Michael Cox’s coveted Taittinger Collection featuring 12 vintages presented in exclusive bottles designed by world renowned artists sold for £7,600.

While a “critics’ case” which included twelve prestige bottles from the personal cellars of some of the UK’s most influential wine critics including Jancis Robinson MW, Michael Broadbent MW, Tim Atkin MW, Oz Clarke, Hugh Johnson, Matthew Jukes, Jane MacQuitty, Olly Smith, Steven Spurrier, Anthony Rose, Charles Metcalfe and Peter Richards MW, sold for £4,000.

Guests were treated to drinks at the Salon des Champagnes sponsored by Louis Roederer, Moët Hennessy, and Taittinger, and a four-course meal accompanied by selected wines.

The evening’s guest speaker was former Decanter journalist and Daily Telegraph wine correspondent, and Benevolent beneficiary, Richard Neill who shared his moving struggle with Motor Neuron Disease and explained how The Benevolent had supported him and his family.

David Cox, chief executive of the Benevolent, said: “This really was our best Benevolent Ball yet and I was delighted that so many of the guests cited a joyous atmosphere coupled with a real feeling of purpose and connection with the work that our charity is doing.

“The valuable funds raised will truly help those less fortunate than us and I am extremely grateful for all the support from our sponsors and the guests”.

The Benevolent’s aim is to work with the industry and charity partners to combat challenging social issues such as long-term illness, homelessness, poverty and disability, as well as providing practical, emotional and financial support to those from the trade.

For more information visit thebenevolent.org.uk