Diabetes UK Food and Wine event 2006 took place at the Café Royal in London on 14 November, World Diabetes Day. Celebrity Chef Aldo Zilli hosted the evening, undertaking an exciting cooking challenge which entertained the 130 strong audience. Ian Coull of SEGRO (formerly Slough Estates), the event’s main sponsor, presented Aldo Zilli with a bag of surprise ingredients with which he created a fabulous dish. As well as Aldo’s thoroughly entertaining demonstration (projected on big screen) the audience also enjoyed a pre-dinner drinks reception, a three course meal and the opportunity to win some great prizes.
The event raised over £37,000 through a number of fundraising activities on the night. This included a wishing tree loaded with prizes, a raffle of the dish Aldo Zilli prepared (a wonderful Adriatic fish stew!) and an auction which was a great success thanks to some wonderful prizes and an excellent auctioneer from Bonham’s.
Not only did the event hit fundraising goals it also fulfilled awareness raising objectives. Richard Lane, a Diabetes UK beneficiary, spoke to the audience of key donors, corporate supporters and partners about his experience of diabetes. Richard’s speech was highly emotive and informative and received a great response from the audience. “I cannot tell you how much last night meant to me, and to all those who attended. Diabetes UK and its supporters will be very proud of the evening...congratulations for a wonderful event, brilliantly organised and superbly planned” (Richard Lane).