Record breaking gala evening at Wentworth Woodhouse, raises an extraordinary £30,000 for Lost Chord.
Pictured above shows Lesley Garrett (right) with event sponsors Sir Hugh and Lady Sykes.
International opera star Lesley Garrett broke all fundraising records for dementia charity Lost Chord when she sang for her supper at a historic South Yorkshire home.
The Doncaster Diva is a patron for Lost Chord, the charity that provides vital interactive musical sessions for people living with dementia in care homes and day centre throughout the region, and nationally.
And for the second-year running she was the guest of honour at a gala evening at Wentworth Woodhouse, in Rotherham, that this year broke all Lost Chord records by raising an extraordinary £30,000.
“We simply couldn’t believe how generous and enthusiastic our guests were on the night,” said Lost Chord chief executive Helena Muller.
“Everybody enjoyed a fantastic evening of fine dining and music from Lesley, accompanied by concert pianist Benjamin Frith, Lost Chord’s professional musicians – Stephanie Brodsworth accompanied by Heidi Rolf, Stephen Buck and Morgan Goff – and the pipers from Ampleforth School.
“Everybody showed their appreciation by giving more generously than I could ever have imagined.
“To raise £30,000 in just one evening is a remarkable achievement and one that really will make a major difference to the lives of people living with dementia – I can’t express how overwhelmed we feel at Lost Chord by this outstanding level of support.”
The evening also featured table magic from talented young Yorkshire magician Bruno Maciocia, who impressed Lesley and guests with some baffling sleight of hand.
Helena added: “Our Big Lottery funding has run out this year so an event like this really does help to keep Lost Chord going for another year and a figure like this is vital as we continue our attempt to transform the lives of all those living with dementia.
“We are always extremely grateful to all those who give to the charity, but I’m sure it’s because they fully realise that we don’t go to the expense of employing a fundraiser who could easily drain the coffers to the tune of £30,000 a year and that £30,000 could pay for 24 homes to have a session each month for a whole year, benefiting more than 360 people living with dementia every month.”
