Exeter Chamber Christmas charity auction success

Exeter Chamber of Commerce raised just under £1000 for 6 local charities at this year’s Christmas charity auction lunch, which was held at the Mercure Southgate Hotel.  The auctioneer for the charitable event was Marc Ryan, presenter at Heart FM.

Items for auction included a Kindle Paperwhite, a Boeing 737-800 flight experience voucher, a vest worn by four-time Olympian, Jo Pavey, and the opportunity for two people to meet the Black Rhinos at Paignton Zoo.

Sara Bond, chairman of Exeter Chamber Commerce said:  “The annual Christmas networking lunch was a great success. It’s fantastic to be able to give something back to our charity members.  We are truly grateful for all the support our members give and I am delighted to say that we raised a total of £950 for local charities.”

One of the prizes which was most hankered after was the opportunity to meet the Black Rhinos at Paignton Zoo.  This experience also included a lunch for two and the chance to see all other exhibits at the Zoo.  This prize was offered to help raise awareness of their Great Big Rhino Project, which will be rolled out across Exeter and the English Riviera in 2016.

Jenny Paton, fundraising manager for Paignton Zoo said: “We very much enjoyed being part of the charity auction and are thrilled with the outcome of the bidding. It was a lovely festive afternoon spent in the good company of other local charities and business people.”

This is the third year that the Exeter Chamber has held a Christmas Charity auction at their December lunch. The next Chamber lunch will be held at the Devon Hotel on the 20th January. For those wishing to attend this lunch, please contact the Chamber office.