The first-ever Winter Gala in support of St Giles Hospice has been hailed a resounding success after it raised an incredible £40,000 for the vital local charity. The glittering event, held at the picturesque Moxhull Hall in Sutton Coldfield, brought together supporters and sponsors for an unforgettable evening dedicated to funding expert care.
The substantial sum raised is enough to provide more than 1,330 hours of specialist care for people, and their families, living with a terminal illness across the region. The event provided a much-needed boost following a challenging period of hospice funding concerns.
A Night of Generosity and Glamour
Guests at the inaugural gala were treated to a splendid three-course meal, live entertainment, and a thrilling auction featuring exceptional lots. The auction, a highlight of the evening, included unique items such as a cap belonging to Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton, a signed 1982 Aston Villa football shirt, and a luxurious one-week villa stay in Cyprus.
The event was expertly hosted free of charge by Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers. Entertainment was generously donated, with performances from The Quad Rox band, DJ Rob, and magician Lee Diamond, all giving their time to support the cause.
Personal Connections and Community Support
The gala was proudly backed by headline sponsor The Boss Partnership and associate sponsors eComposite Products and Herongrange Group. For Logan Khan from The Boss Partnership, the support was deeply personal.
"I couldn't be more proud that The Boss Partnership was headline sponsor," Mr Khan said. "My mum received incredible care at St Giles during her final days, and the hospice means everything to me – it's hard to imagine how families would manage without them." His mother passed away at the hospice in the same week the gala was held six years later.
Elinor Eustace, Chief Executive at St Giles Hospice, expressed her profound gratitude. "To host our first Winter Gala and see such an extraordinary level of support was absolutely amazing," she said. "After the tough year we've had with the hospice funding crisis, the evening was deeply humbling."
Looking Ahead to Future Galas
The success of the event has already sparked interest in a follow-up. Attendees also had the chance to win a stunning cushion-cut diamond, worth £1,000, in a special raffle. The diamond was generously donated by jeweller Steven Quance, who highlighted its symbolic significance as a stone representing "a place where someone may lay their head to rest."
Zoe Wright, Partnerships Manager at St Giles Hospice, emphasised the importance of such events. "The generosity and compassion shown by our supporters that evening help us continue providing specialist care for people and their loved ones when they need us most," she stated.
Buoyed by the triumph of this first gala, St Giles Hospice has announced that interest for the 2026 Winter Gala can now be registered on their website, paving the way for another night of fantastic community fundraising.
