COINS - Crystal Ball

The tables glistened with candelabras and crystals as over 300 people gathered together in early spring for COINS second Ball celebrating the 3 Peaks Challenge at Beaumont House, Old Windsor, funds being raised in support of Habitat For Humanity (www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/), CARE international (www.careinternational.org.uk/) and CURE international (www.cureinternational.org/) for distribution by the newly founded COINS Foundation . Crystal babes (looking very much like the bond girls from last year!) greeted the guests with blue lagoons as they arrived at the ball, a taste of the sparkling evening ahead.

It was very much appreciated to see familiar faces from Simons Construction, Castleoak, Killby & Gayford, Tithegrove and Ascon from Ireland. Barclays Bank supported the event as did Leasemaster, BSG, Progress, Morse, HenleyIS, Steales Law, Chris Curd Design, Fusion and many friends and family from COINS. It was particularly nice to welcome Sam Baguma from CURE, who made the trip over from Lusaka where he does tremendous work at an orthopaedic hospital for children, which COINS continue to support.

Following dinner guests saw a short film shot in Zambia on a project trip which was organized for the highest fundraisers at the 2007 COINS 3 Peaks Challenge event. It showed the group helping to build a house with Habitat for Humanity, for a family whose mud hut had been washed away, children and babies at the CURE hospital in Lusaka having undergone or going to have operations to improve disabilities such as, club foot and bow legs, two schools for children orphaned by HIV/Aids, a continuing problem in Zambia, and their moving visit to a community.

Then there was a vivacious auction conducted by Fabian Hine. The auction items which attracted most interest and competition were; the Trip to New York eventually won by Calvin Coakley from Castleoak, Tailor made suit – which again was very closely contested by Mike Saxby of MJS Construction– this was donated by Tom James Europe. The other equally popular auction items was a round of golf with Peter Allis, the BBC sports commentator, which Keith Gibson went home with and the Zambia trip which was won by Brendan Ryan who obviously enjoyed the first one so much he wants to go again! All four items totalled over 7,000.

Out of the silent auctions – the signed Chelsea football was a favourite, donated by Paul Reader from Geoffrey Osborne, trying to make up for not attending! Also attracting some attention was the Lewis Hamilton signed cap, donated by the COINS Ladies team of 2007.

Dancing was to the incredible Hot Stuff who had everyone on their feet and filled the dance floor, even those not fancying themselves as a John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John opted for the alternate entertainment of the vodka luge! With everyone retiring from the dance floor at past 1.30 – half an hour later than the arrival of the carriages!

The final figure raised was £26,000 thanks to all the guests.

We would like to take this opportunity to mention the kind sponsors who donated to the auction and raffle; Aroma Homes, Bath Spa Hotel, Besso, Camera Cameleon,HenlyIS, Honeybees Cheer force, Leasemaster, Orbit business development, Paul Reader (Zambia delegate), Hayley hotels and conference venues, Rolls Royce, Shinx, Stoke Park Country Club, The Egyptian Room and The Realy Useful Theatre company.

Thanks to all who donated auction prizes, raffle prices and to those who came along to support the event which was obviously enjoyed by all.

Following on from the success of the 2008 ball we are looking forward to 2009 being bigger and the better yet, keep a look out on our website for dates to be posted.