Published: October 21, 2019 | Updated: 21st October 2019
More than £28,000 was raised for Dorset children’s hospice Julia’s House at the closing event of the week-long Evolve Business Festival.
The fundraising dinner, featuring Eddie Howe, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, was held at the Hilton Hotel, Bournemouth, and attended by over 120 people from businesses across the South.
Guests were treated to a drinks reception and three-course dinner before Evolve’s founder, Warren Munson, took to the stage to interview Eddie.
He inspired guests with his unique success story, giving a behind-the-scenes personal insight into his life.
The evening culminated in a live charity auction hosted by Martin Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Julia’s House, which raised more than £28,000 for Julia’s House.
Mr Edwards said: “It was appropriate in the current tough climate that businesses came together to learn from our charity’s inspirational Patron and gave back to the charity with their fundraising.
“Eddie gave a thoughtful interview about the importance of supportive leadership, integrity and having the right people around you, all of which are in evidence when the business community puts its shoulder to the wheel to help the children in our care.”
Mr Munson, Founder of Evolve, the membership community for entrepreneurs and business leaders, said it had been a great evening.
He added: “It was a fascinating discussion with the always humble and engaging Eddie Howe, followed by a successful auction that raised a significant sum for Julia’s House.
“The event was the perfect way to close the Evolve Business Festival, which has been fantastically well received and exceeded all our expectations.”
The festival, which formed part of Bournemouth’s BOMO Festival, was held at locations across Bournemouth and Poole.
It featured a line-up of inspirational and motivational events, from founder panels and networking breakfasts to economic updates and development days.
To find out more about Evolve and how to become a member for free go to www.evolvemembers.com