DECO-DANCE EVENING RAISES £50,000 FOR THE PROSTATE CANCER CHARITY
Internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and celebrity Dancing on Ice judge, Jason Gardiner, directed a special performing arts gala dinner, called ‘Deco-Dance’, raising almost £50,000 for The Prostate Cancer Charity.
The Deco-Dance – the first event of its kind for the Charity – took place on 25 October at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London.
Compered by Clive Anderson, the dinner brought together exciting performing acts including a very special world premiere from Royal Ballet principal dancers, Edward Watson and Leanne Benjamin; who performed a pas de deux specially choreographed for the evening.
Enjoying the night’s entertainment were celebrities and friends of the Charity including former Blue band member, Duncan James; Tara Palmer Tomkinson; TV and theatre actor, Nick Bailey; star of Bombay Dreams, Raj Ghatak; presenter of the BBC’s ‘It’s not easy being green’, Dick Strawbridge and the twin finalists of the BBC’s ‘The Restaurant’, Laura and Jess Pilli.
Also involved in the evening’s performances were world renowned Metro Voices Vocal Group; who sang an acapella version of the classic song ‘Imagine’ in an incredibly moving performance, and the talented gospel singer Peyton, backed by the Metro Voices, who ended the evening with an uplifting rendition of ‘A Little Sensitivity’.
Guests were also treated to fabulous champagne reception and entertainment by the gifted Caroline Loftus and her Cuban band. Fifteen, founded by Jamie Oliver, provided a three course menu of delicious organic delights specially designed to reflect the occasion and using ingredients that are endorsed as ‘prostate friendly’ by the Charity.
Clive Anderson also acted as auctioneer for the evening. There were some very special prizes up for grabs including a cricket bat signed by Monty Panesar, a racing suit signed by Jensen Button, exclusive Charlie Lapson handbags; 2 of which were signed by Hollywood stars Jessica Alba and Felicity Huffman, and a 2 night stay at the Great Eastern Hotel with dinner at Fifteen.
Former England international rugby hero Andy Ripley was after dinner speaker, providing us with a touching account of his own personal experiences of living with prostate cancer.
Our special guest David Hillier, who has raised over £400,000 for The Prostate Cancer Charity, was honoured for his outstanding contribution and achievement – he is an inspiration to us all.
A raffle of some fabulous prizes including tickets to West End musicals, 2 adult year long memberships at the exclusive David Lloyd Club and a two night stay at Farm Court in Alderney. Some of these prizes still remain unclaimed; click here for the full list of winning tickets.
For the some more photos of the evening, please click here.
The Prostate Cancer Charity would like to thank everybody who supported the Decodance Gala Dinner and made it such a huge success.