Benevolent Ball raises £21,000

Guests attending The Benevolent’s annual Northern Ball last weekend raised £21,000, helping the charity continue its support of members of the drinks trade facing financial or medical hardship this festive season.

David Cox and Richard Neill, ex-Decanter journalist and Benevolent beneficiary

Held on 20 November at The Mere Resort in Knutsford, Cheshire, the event saw guests prop up at a “Neon Cocktail Bar” before sitting down to a four-course gourmet meal. During dinner the event’s guest speaker Richard Neill, ex-Decanter journalist and Benevolent beneficiary, delivered a moving speech about how The Benevolent helped him and his family.

The Benevolent was founded in 1886 with the aim of helping members of the drinks industry facing medical or financial hardship, serious illness or disability, as well as providing emotional support for a variety of issues.

“We were delighted to have the support of so many northern-based companies for this event and the generosity of the guests is a testament to the genuine desire people have to help and support those in the drinks trade community whose lives are affected adversely in some way”, said David Cox, chief executive of The Benevolent.

“Richard Neill’s stark and poignant confirmation that one never really knows when a crisis may arise was a reminder to us all and he kindly asked for a ‘call to action’ for companies to support The Benevolent charity.”

An auction was also held on the night featuring a collection of 12 bottles donated from some of the UK’s most respected wine writers, named ‘The Critics Case’.

“Writers and broadcasters such as Jancis Robinson MW, Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin MW, Hugh Johnson and many more kindly delved into their personal cellars and donated some extremely prestigious bottles”, added Cox. “The case went for £2,500 and we are indebted to them all”.

For more information on the charity, or if you are in need of its support, please visit thebenevolent.org.uk.