Vimba Ball Report
A gorgeous summer evening set the perfect backdrop for Vimba’s first ball on the 25th of July 2009. Gathering on the beautiful manicured gardens of Roehampton Club, guests enjoyed a champagne reception upon arrival. The Foundation Jonas choir travelled across London to provide us with an earthy, African harmony that set the mood for the evening.
Moving to the dining room, Vimba’s fantastic MC Richard Pio welcomed everyone and introduced our guest of honour Henry Olonga. Henry rendered a song he wrote himself entitled “Rise again”, about the oppressor that has crushed his people but that one day we will rise, one day we will be overcome.
Dinner was served and a short feature film on Vimba's work was screened before we launched into the auction of our 12 lots, raising in excess of £3000. An array of gifts donated to the auction included:
- 15 day tour package to Egypt
- painting by Jenny Whalley
- one night’s stay at the Millennium Gloucester hotel for two
- ZimSculpt birdbath sculpture
- Jewellery by Patrick Mavros
- painting by Gareth Hook
- signed sports memorabilia
- a round of golf at Nefyn Golf Course in Wales
- an Aerobatic flight
- champagne Flights for four on the London Eye
- four tickets to Twickenham to watch English rugby team play New Zealand or Australia
- an assortment of Zimbabwe Dollar notes
The lucky Raffle winners of the men’s and ladies hampers were Rob Hamilton and Carla Statham, respectively.
Henry closed off the proceedings with a beautiful rendition of “You Raise Me Up”, originally sung by Josh Groban.
Guests then hit the dance floor to the incredible band Swarm who played onto midnight whilst all enjoyed some mingling with friends, old and new, a glass of wine or two, and a great deal of dancing well into the night.
Vimba would like to send out a very big thank you to all of our sponsors; talented individuals, small businesses and organisations alike that have given so generously of their time, as well as donated such wonderful gifts for the night – click here for a full list of our sponsors.
The final profit made from the evening, which has completely exceeded the team’s expectations at just over £6000, will be going towards the Vimba Children’s Feeding Centre Initiative.
The evening was a resounding success and presented a memorable evening for one and all. In the heart of remembering and giving to the Zimbabweans still fighting for their lives, Vimba is proud to have hosted a wonderful ball that was so well supported by people who hold Zimbabwe close to their hearts.
For more information and queries regarding the ball or anything Vimba related, please contact us at: info@vimba.co.uk
Click here to view Ball Pictures
