In late November guests gathered at the stunning Grade II-listed Pendley Manor Hotel in Tring for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, networking, and, most importantly, fundraising in support of Greenfingers Charity. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, donors, and supporters, the evening raised over £35,000 to help create therapeutic gardens for children’s hospices across the UK.
The evening began with a champagne reception, kindly sponsored by Vitax, followed by two exciting auctions featuring money-can’t-buy experiences, luxurious holidays, and coveted prizes – all aimed at raising as much money as possible for the charity. Guests vied for exotic getaways, dining experiences at the UK’s finest restaurants, and exclusive gifts generously donated by Greenfingers’ supporters. Highlights included a luxury stay at Pendley Manor, a week in Dartmouth, a signed football, a Clarins gift bundle, and many more exceptional items.
Greenfingers also took the opportunity to honour key supporters for their “outstanding contributions throughout 2024.” Those recognised were British Garden Centres, Woodmansterne, the Sandringham Warrant Holders Association, GIMA, Glee, GCA, the HTA, Squire’s Garden Centres, Millbrook Garden Centre, The Horticultural Golf Society, Smart Garden, Evergreen Garden Care, and Capi Europe Managing Director & GIMA President, Kate Ebbens, who is running every day of 2024 to raise funds for the charity.
“The evening was hosted by the ever-entertaining Bob Marley, with Guy Topping putting the FUN into FUNdraising as the Auctioneer. Greenfingers Chair Boyd Douglas-Davies delivered a heartfelt speech remarking, ‘There are two words that should never go together – ‘children’ and ‘hospices,’’ with his words resonating deeply with everyone in the room.
Reflecting on the success of the evening, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or supported the Greenfingers Charity Fundraising Dinner. Your generosity and enthusiasm made the evening truly special and allowed us to raise an incredible £35,000.
“With four new gardens and six garden maintenance projects currently in progress, the funds raised will go a long way to ensuring more children and families can enjoy time in a Greenfingers garden. But with more hospices on our waiting list, we know there is still so much work to do to ensure all children’s hospices can benefit from well-designed outdoor spaces. We look forward to working together and seeing what 2025 brings.”
The funds raised will play a crucial role in supporting Greenfingers Charity’s ongoing mission, ensuring that more children and families can access these life-enhancing gardens.