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Fundraising Sunday...
review
Call me a sceptic, call me an old pessimist, but my heart can tend to sink when we're asked to support charity fundraisers. It's not that we're uncharitable - you've no idea how many community and charitable groups and organisations we support, come rain or shine. But sometimes events just seem to be there to procure some free publicity, to get performers to pitch in for nothing and can appear to be a teensy bit opportunistic. We inevitably end up spending out on travel costs and drinks while we're there (not to mention feeling obliged to buying the odd raffle ticket etc), so it can end up being rather an expensive exercise for us. These kind of events can often end up not raising a great deal either... we usually choose to graciously decline.
However, when Krissie Du Cann arranged to meet up to explain the charity to me, I was impressed. The Pink Dolphin Appeal is raising £1.5m towards a Breast Care Unit at Sussex University Hospital for a complete prevention and treatment centre for breast cancer. We agreed to support the event and attend to take photos. The venue had also put in a lot of effort to get local businesses to support the venture and donate a stellar collection of prizes for auction and raffle.
So we packed up the camera on Sunday afternoon and took the bus over to Peacehaven - somewhere I've never actually been to, but have been through a number of times.
We got a friendly welcome at The Sussex Coaster when we arrived - the organisers, locals and performers seemed genuinely pleased to see us - and we were even bought a drink... Very much appreciated!
The lineup of performers who had given their time and taken the trouble to travel a not-insignificant-distance with wigs and costumes was also pretty remarkable.
We arrived as the deliciously wicked Sandra was busy raising more than a few eyebrows with her Trisha Goddard pastiche before a quick duet with cabaret stalwart, Ricky Royale. In rapid succession, we were also thoroughly entertained by the great vocals of Deborah D'Arcy (we're loving your Saturday number), the confusing charms of Straight Steve, the gloriously naughty Davina Sparkle, the very talented Mr Jamie Muscato, the towering saucepot herself, Spice before a quick break (and excuse me while I stop for breath) while Houseband The Allstars ft. Glen Le Fleur set themselves up.
Krissie then led a band of top notch musicians through a set of firm favourites and had the whole venue up on its feet, including a impromtu jamming session with Jason Prince. Absolutely fantastic!
Up next was some near-the-knuckle comedy and a few vocal numbers from Miss Hap. Star of stage and screen, Stephanie Starlet popped up to do a few unmentionable, and frankly unspeakable, things with a monkey (!) before Jason took to the stage once again.
Finally, the female (real female that is) vocalists took to the stage (well... bit of carpet in front of the fireplace) in the form of new Brighton act, Gilly B & JJ before the huuuge vocals of Jennie Castell proved her diva songstress status with that voice.
I've probably covered more cabaret than anyone on the planet during my time at REALBrighton, but it has to be said that this afternoon and evening of entertainment really was one of the best. A great atmosphere, friendly people and some great performers. The raffle and auction were undertaken with precision and raised a phenomenal amount of money - with the overal events funds topping a staggering £2,040 for the Pink Dolphin Appeal.
A huge round of applause to Krissie Du Cann and Straight Steve for organising the entertainment and to Stella, the Guv'nor for organising the whole thing.
loved it!
It was a great day and I know that Lady James, Sally Vate, Betty Swollocks and myself, Cherry Poppin, all loved the welcome we received when we performed earlier in the day. A great charity very close to my heart and I hear the amount raised (not confirmed) was around £2,500!
CherryPoppin, 18 Sep 2007 [+]
I can only echo what James has said above. We had a really enjoyable day and raised £2,040 toward this very worthwhile charity.
Everyone was very welcoming and worked together to make this day such a great success. Thanks to Stella and Krissie (with some assistance from 'straight' Steve) for organising it. xxx
misshap, 19 Sep 2007 [+]
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about The Pink Dolphin Appeal
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Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust are undertaking the development of a brand new Breast Unit. The organisation plans to create a welcoming space, designed to ease the anxiety and to maintain dignity during uncertain times. All breast services will be under one roof, together with special equipment. Click for more info and complete listings for The Pink Dolphin Appeal 
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