What a fabulous night out!!

24 February 2007 | Past events

The Freesia Group’s 1st Annual Gala Dinner Dance was voted a huge success!

In all, over 4,000 euros was raised for the two cancer charities Freesia supports.

One hundred and forty people of all nationalities attended the event held on Friday, 16th February, at the Club Nautic, Salou.

The guests included the Alcalde of Salou, Sr. Esteve Ferrán, as well as other dignatories from the Salou Town Council and Tourist Office.

The night began with a cava reception and canapés, followed by a brief film of sculptor Josep Rull at work. Sr. Rull had specially made and generously donated a beautiful sculpture La Familia to auction at the dinner to raise funds for the cancer charities. The sale of the statue raised 1,500 euros.

During the excellent dinner, we were entertained by cool jazz with fabulous singer Geoff Gilvey and his Swing Combo (musicians Reevan Trupin, Dick Lonergan and Rob Citron), followed by the brilliant Ringwood trio (Annie, Debbie and Jennie - vocals, tenor sax and keyboard), and La Nuit, a superb Spanish duo.

Two clever magicians, Rodney Piper and Glen Bonnar, also kept the guests spellbound during the meal.

The theme was St. Valentine’s and the beautiful room was bedecked with red balloons, flowers and hearts. Each guest received a small Valentine’s gift made by Beverley of By me 4 U.

There were various items for auction, including a sculpture, a Brazil football shirt signed by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, some paintings and other items.

There was an entry ticket prize draw and a raffle with some fabulous prizes.

The dancing went on until 3 am and most guests were reluctant to leave!

Special thanks to the following people for their generous contributions, valuable time, and hard work in organising the event:

Elaine McParland, President of the Freesia Group, for her tireless efforts in getting the event together.

Beverley Burgess, for making all the gifts, menus, place cards and decorations.

Joyce Hempshall and Pamela Gené, for helping to distribute publicity and posters.

Teresa Muñoz from La Sirena, c/Barcelona, Salou, and Veronica, from Bar Double Dutch, C/Virgen del Pilar, Salou, for selling tickets.

All the wonderful aforementioned musicians who gave up their precious time to play voluntarily for the event.

The manager and staff of the Club Nautic for their co-operation, excellent food and service.

John Nichol from Danny Boy for his generous contribution of the wine and cava, togther with the Iglesias brothers.

Also to the following persons who donated various items for the auction and raffle:

Sr. Josep Rull, for the specially designed beautiful sculpture of father, mother, and child.

Ander Vaso Productions of Reus for donating the Brazil football shirt signed by both Ronaldo and Ronhaldino.

Pam Gené for the Dutch landscape.

Alistair Adam for the water colour View of an English Church.

Lynette Carrington-Smith for her water colour.

Amat Pellejá for the original landscape painting.

And the other artists.

Yvonne for her unique Eco Freesia Bear.

All the local businesses, restaurants, etc., who generously donated prizes for the entry draw and raffle, particularly Brit Sat for the satellite system, Joyería Roval for the silver-plated statue, and Cosas Tarragona for the leather briefcase.

Més Costa Daurada.

The photographs have been published with kind permission from photographer MARC GAVALD and Més Costa Daurada.