Whilst August is very much the holiday month, it is also the month when one of the most enjoyable Cherry Lodge fundraising events is held – the Hope and Glory Charity Brunch. On Sunday 23rd August 2015, Myra and Norman Goldberg followed tradition and again opened up their lovely home to over 150 people to raise money for Cherry Lodge Cancer Care and Parkinson’s UK.
People had a chance to meet old friends and make new ones, to enjoy wonderful refreshments, including delicious cakes made by a Cherry Lodge volunteer, and to listen to the Cherry Lodge Singers. The two volunteer Cherry Lodge therapists were kept very busy, providing reflexology and massages; at times they even had people waiting for their services. The heavy rain for part of the day did nothing to dampen people’s spirits.
A raffle was held mid way through the afternoon, with some amazing prizes, far too many to mention them all but including: dinner at Melange in Barnet; lunch at the West Lodge Hotel; hairdressing vouchers; and a photograph session. People’s kindness and generosity were often overwhelming, with many people donating their raffle prizes to Cherry Lodge, to be sold in our shop!
Later in the afternoon, not only did the sun come out but there was a a terrific auction, selling everything from six bottles of wine to a beautiful orchid plant.
A great many people contributed to making the day such an undoubted success. Our first thanks must to go to Myra and Norman Goldberg, who not only opened their house to everyone, but were responsible for all the planning. Thank you also to the volunteer helpers who not only made far too many teas and coffees for us to count, but also cleared up afterwards. We cannot forget, of course, all those who donated such wonderful prizes and our superb cake maker. Finally, thank you to everyone who bought tickets for the event and who made such generous donations both to Cherry Lodge and to Parkinson’s UK.
Click on the small images below to see larger, complete photographs.