Ball raises £27,000 for tsunami victims (From Western Telegraph)

Ball raises £27,000 for tsunami victims

A fantastic £27,000 is expected to be raised for the Tsunami Appeal by the Black and White Ball, organised by Texaco and the Rotary Clubs of Pembroke and Haverfordwest.

The disaster touched so many people's hearts that they were only too pleased to contribute to the relief and long-term support of tsunami victims and they quickly snapped up tickets.

The ball, held on St David's Day in the Texaco marquee at Folly Farm, proved to be an excellent evening of good company, good wine and food, and good music provided by the Syd Lawrence Orchestra.

A number of items were donated for an auction, including a bridal gown, given by Andrea Davies from The Bridal Collection, Pembroke Dock. The lady who bid for the wedding gown wishes to remain anonymous, but it was sold under the name of Llawhaden YFC and she paid £650.

Bidding was also strong for other items and Mike Dingley-Jones bid £170 for a commemorative plate, donated by Rowland and Lou Evans, Glyncoch Design, Tenby, while Colonel Peter Howells bid £360 for a jug and bowl, also from Glyncoch Design.

Lorna from Al Fresco Catering gave £1 from each bottle of wine sold and that raised £550.

And 26 pledges towards the purchase of fishing boats for Thailand, raised a further £4,420. DJ John Hart has also donated over £600 from a previous event.

Local businesses who supported the event were Al Fresco Catering, The Bridal Collection, Martin Cavaney, Celtic Wines, Dingle Marquees, Dimond Press, Folly Farm, Glyncoch Designs, HSBC Bank, Pembroke, and the Western Telegraph.

Said Phil Thompson, of Texaco: "I know the people of Pembrokeshire are very generous, but I never believed that we would raise such a huge amount. I would like to thank all those who made this possible."