Charity Ball brings in the cash for St Peter's Hospice

More than 270 people attended the inaugural 'Trash 2 Treasure' Charity Ball at the Marriott Hotel in central Bristol on Saturday, raising over £5,000 for St Peter's Hospice, Bristol's only adult Hospice. Hosted by ex-professional cricketer Phil Bainbridge, guests enjoyed a three-course dinner followed by live music from south-west band Monday's Company and a disco.  

The event marked the start of the Christmas party season but with a unique twist which set it apart. Guests were asked to donate one quality item, in good condition, to be sold on St Peter's e-Bay site, turning donations into valuable funds for the Hospice which they can re-invest in patient care.

Caroline Booth-Morris, corporate fundraiser at St Peter's, said the event would make a real difference to the Hospice, particularly in the current financial climate. "We appreciate that we are living in tough economic times but we are always amazed by the generosity of our supporters. The funds raised will help expand our Hospice at Home services which enable our patients to be cared for at home amongst the people they love," she commented.   

The event was organised by Bristol Breakfast Networking, an informal group of local businesses who work to support each other and organisations serving the local community like St Peter's, the group's charity for 2011. The NHS contributes 23 per cent of the Hospice's annual running costs, otherwise it relies on the generosity of the public for funds.

Alongside supporting local charities the Bristol Breakfast Networking group also gives businesses a platform to widen their contact base, which in turn can help them generate new business. However, while studies show that 98 per cent of businesses rely on referrals for new business, only 3 per cent have a strategy to gain them,  

The Bristol Breakfast Networking group is a friendly and mutually supportive group that meets every two weeks to refer possible clients, discuss business issues and generally chew the cud. While referrals are of course welcome there is no pressure to bring in new business and the group is always keen to attract new members.

Click here for more information on Bristol Breakfast Networking