Almost £100,000 has been raised for good causes on the Isle of Wight thanks to Esplanade's five gala dinner events.
The latest, held at the multi-franchise dealership's showroom in Cowes in conjunction with Robert Thompson, chef patron at Foresters Hall (formerly North House), gathered £30,000 for three Island charities.
The cash will be divided equally between Kissy Puppy, UKSA and the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation.
One of the highlights of the evening was the auction conducted by world renowned auctioneer Nick Bonham.
His experience soon whipped the crowd into a bidding frenzy with bids reaching £200 for a bouquet of flowers donated by Bay Tree Florist, £1,200 for a VIP Weekend at Tapnell Farm and £700 for a nine-course tasting menu at Foresters Hall.
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The final lot was a meal for eight cooked in your home by Robert Thompson’.
Nick worked the room and the outcome resulted in a standing ovation when Robert generously agreed to sell this lot to the two highest bidders at £6,500 each.
The evening ended with everyone having fun at the bar, casino, magic mirror and disco.
A spokesperson said: "Esplanade are extremely proud to put this event together each year.
"All costs associated with running the evening are covered by Esplanade."
"Robert Thompson/ Foresters Hall generously donate all the wonderful food and their time."
Sales director David Weston said, ‘Working in partnership with Foresters Hall and Robert Thompson we are absolutely delighted to have been able to hold this event in our showroom.
"Raising money for such worthy Isle of Wight charities is so important to us and we are grateful we are in the position to be able to create these links to our local community."
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