On Thursday 25th September over 160 halow supporters gathered for an unforgettable evening to raise money forthe young people we support. The event was organised by halow Trustee, John Stevens, and hosted in one of London’s newest venues, St Bart’s Brewery. It was the perfect place to hold a night of glitz & glamour.

Throughout the evening people had the opportunity to take part in the silent auction, browse the main auction lots, buy raffle tickets and have their picture taken in the amazing pop up photo booth courtesy of Ultimate Photobooth.

Supporters arrived from 7pm and enjoyed a chilled welcome drink of luxury sparkling cider, courtesy of Hush Heath Estate. The evening kicked off with a fabulous African drumming workshop and performance on Djembe drums by halow’s young people and not-for-profit organisation, Everyone’s Climbing Tree.

There was an assortment of spectacular performances throughout the evening, starting with a beautiful medley of modern pop sung by singer and actress, Imogen Byron. She was followed by a stunning mixed jazz set with Janine van den Berg on vocals and Steve Law on piano. Professional violinist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Lettice Rowbotham, gave an impressive performance mixing her classical skills with the likes of Major Lazer’s Pon de Floor and Evanescance’s Bring Me To Life.

Before the main auction halow Director, Yvonne Reynolds gave a heartfelt speech with Trustee, John Stevens; followed by an address from halow Patron and founder Damon Hill OBE.

Mark Head, “The Charity Auctioneer,” was the auctioneer for the evening and did a sterling job of ensuring the fantastic lots went for the highest amount they could. They included a week stay in a Meribel ski chalet, the Manchester United Opus, a week stay at a cottage in New Forest, a Porta Romana lamp, Silverstone racing experience and more.

The night took an even more exciting turn as people hit the dance floor to the unmistakeable voice of  80’s pop icon Rick Astley accompanied by a mind-blowing performance from Dawn Joseph; lead singer of jazz, funk & soul band Brand New Heavies.

After the raffle & silent auction winners were announced there was a powerful surprise performance from rightfully named “Goddess of Soul,” Doña Oxford. It all culminated in beautifully sung modern classics from Siany Crooks and an awesome DJ set from Max Mistry of Mighty Fine Entertainment.

 It was a truly magnificent and fun evening that will make a huge difference to the lives of the young people we support. Thank you to all our guests, celebrities, organisers, donors and performers for making the night so special- we couldn’t do it without you. The final fundraising total is being counted and you can check out our photo gallery here.

A special thanks to our sponsors Wilson Stevens, VDC Trading,  Arrow Shipbroking Group and St. Bart’s Brewery for all their hard work.