Coventry gala dinner raises £10k for children receiving treatment in hospital this Christmas

A Coventry gala dinner has raised more than £10,000 to help provide memorable experiences and gifts this Christmas to children receiving treatment in hospital.

The Children’s Christmas Wish List charity hosted its annual festive fundraiser at Coventry Building Society Arena.

The charity, which started in 2008, hosts fundraising events throughout the year and aims to raise up to £20,000 each year to support children on hospital wards in Coventry, Northampton and Oxfordshire.

The charity is supported by CC Exhibitions, a designer and builder of exhibition stands based on Bayton Road Industrial Estate in Exhall.

More than 240 people came out to help raise funds at the gala dinner, with the event attracting sub-contractors and partners for CC Exhibitions. Tables were also sold to other businesses based in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, with after-dinner games and a silent auction providing a further fundraising boost. Entertainment included a performance from popular band Dakota Skies and Warwickshire-based DJ Andy Saunders.

Funds raised on the night will now be used to support the charity’s work, providing gifts and experiences to children.

The Children’s Christmas Wish List is an official partner with Give Kids The World Village in Florida, which gives terminally ill children and their families the opportunity to visit Florida, meet Mickey Mouse and swim with dolphins.

Craig Collins, Trustee at The Children’s Christmas Wish List, said: “We set up the charity 16 years ago and we have aimed to host a fundraiser every year.

“It was a wonderful evening at Coventry Building Society Arena and we would like to thank everyone who helped us to raise more than £10,000.

“That will go a long way in helping us to deliver on our promise this Christmas of providing gifts and experiences to children having treatment in hospitals around the Midlands.”

Jenni Ford, Director of Sales and Marketing at Coventry Building Society Arena, added: “This was a lovely way to start the festive period, hosting an event that has raised a fantastic amount of money in support of an incredibly important cause.”

To find out more about The Children’s Christmas Wish List, visit www.childrensxmaswishlist.org