A unique event, an Auction of Promises, took place at the Old Free School on 7th July 2011 to raise funds for The Recovery In-Sight Social Enterprise (RISE), so that it could continue to remain at the School to deliver its services in recovery training and voluntary placements/job-skills training for a second year.

Over 50 members, and local organisations and shops (list below) had donated gifts that were auctioned on the night. The evening was inaugurated by Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford, who spoke about the importance of RISE as a user-led community based social enterprise, located in the heart of Watford.

Dr Heather Straughan thanked all those who had made donations, including the Mayor from this year’s Mayor’s Fund and five County Councillors from their Locality Budgets this year (list below). Heather also thanked her team whose work made the event possible, especially Sarah Pillay and Richard Bampton, who had organised the event, Laura Francis HR Lead, Gwyn Marmaras Treasurer, and Benit Maru, Secretary and her right-hand man. Heather addressed the guests with a quote from Confucius to summarise the social and empowering ethos of RISE: “A man of humanity is one who, in seeking to establish himself, finds a foothold for others and who, desiring attainment for himself, helps others to attain”.

The event was attended by over 70 guests, County Councillor Mark Watkin, who had donated from his Locality Budget for the 3rd consecutive year, and Watford Borough Councillors Jeffree and Meerabux. Pearl Robson from John Lewis presented the RISE team with a large cheque from in-house fundraising at the store in The Harlequin, Watford, which had raised £960. Many past trainees and group attendees were also present and lent a hand during the evening. Grateful thanks goes to those who worked behind the scenes, ensuring that the buffet was well stocked: Laura Francis and her Mum Diane.

The evening commenced with a superb buffet with wine, with contributions from Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Majestic Wine. The string quartet from Watford  Girls Grammar School, Plus One, entertained the guests as they arrived, with the Old Free School offering a special backdrop to their music. Conor Canney, guitarist, entertained the guests during the intermission.

Leanne Walters took the role of auctioneer, inspiring and motivating the guests to bid for the 38 lots on offer and making the evening one of fun and laughter! The Walters Family had also donated a prize lot: a holiday in Turkey which raised the largest amount during the evening.

The Old Free School was adorned with paintings from two artists: Suzanne Parker and Emily Fripp. Suzanne donated one of her lovely pictures to the social enterprise.

From the sale of raffle tickets, donations on the night and funds raised from the sale of the lots - £2,977 was raised in total.

A special thank you to the following individuals and companies who made this event possible:

Alexander Susan Photography

Bob Houlston

Boots

Café Mezza

Citroen

Clipso Hair Salon

Coltspring School of Riding

Dine India restaurant

Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford

Harlequin Shopping Centre

India Garden restaurant

J. Trevor Harrison

Jack’s Riding Stables

Janet Noonan

John Lewis

La Tasca restaurant

London Gliding Club

London Horror Tours - Dr John Pope-de-Locksley

Lush

Majestic Wine

Marcus Trescothick

Marks and Spencer

Nando’s

Natural Beauty

Nish Shah

Prince of Bengal

Recovery Devon

Richard Harrington, Watford MP

Rush Hair Salon

Saracens Rugby

SK Beauty

Sno!zone

Spa at Presence

Stuart Bending Photography

St James Restaurant

Studio 86 Photography

Tesco

The Comedy Club

TK Maxx

Vitruvinox Physiotherapy

The Walters Family

Waterside Theatre

Watersmeet Theatre

Watford Football Club

Watford Leisure Club

Watford Museum

Watford Palace Theatre

West Herts Golf Club

YMCA Health Club

Zinco

 A big thank you to those who performed on the night -

“Plus One” String Quartet under the guidance of Mrs Judith Bridges, Director of Music, Watford Girls Grammar School

Conor Canney, guitarist

2 Artists displaying paintings – Suzanne Parker and Emily Fripp

Special thanks to -

John Lewis, Pearl Robson – for their in-store fundraising

A big thank you to those County Councillors who donated from their Locality Budgets 2011/12:

Mark Watkin, Deirdre Ann Gates, Matthew Hurst, Phil Bibby and Ron Tindall.

A special thank you to Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford for the Mayor’s Fund 2011/12.

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