ORGANISERS of a charity’s inaugural black-tie dinner were “bowled over” by attendees’ generosity after the event generated more than £12,000.

Andover Twenty1, a charity dedicated to providing help and support to children with Down’s syndrome, staged a black-tie dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel, in Stockbridge, last Friday.

The event was attended by 90 patrons who helped raised £12,750 on the night, which will support children with Down’s syndrome from Andover, Salisbury, Newbury, Winchester and the surrounding villages.

Guests were welcomed to the event by the sound of swing music, courtesy of a live performance from local all-girl cover band, Covergirlz.

They also had the chance to have a flutter on the ‘Tree of Wishes’, with a £10 ticket buying anything from a booby prize to a £50 restaurant voucher, a necklace or beauty treatment. All prizes were donated by local businesses.

A three-course feast was then served before the reveal of a multi-layered rainbow cake, mirroring the Andover Twnety1 logo and designed by Hampshire artist Jennie Maizels.

Following dinner, guests took part in an action featuring 16 lots donated by individuals and businesses supporting Andover Twenty1.

The premier lot was from international fashion designer Erdem who donated tickets to his Autumn/Winter 2020 fashion show in London and beautiful pair of Erdem earrings.

Guests also had opportunity to bid for a night away at Foxes Hotel in Minehead, a flight in a glider, signed David Walliams books, original artwork, fly fishing as well as fashion and beauty treats and an Early Rider bike.

Chairperson of Andover Twenty1, Anna Fauvelle, said: “This was our inaugural fundraising dinner and it was so much fun.

“The newly renovated Grosvenor hotel was an amazing venue with a wonderful team who looked after our guests impeccably.

“We were bowled over the generosity of our sponsors and guests who helped us raise an incredible £12,750 which will be used to provide invaluable educational services to local children with Down’s syndrome.”

The next Andover Twenty1 fundraising event will be the annual ‘Lots of Socks’ Day in support of World Down’s Syndrome Day on 21 March 2020.