Tree Of Life For Animals

Wow, what a fantastic night was had by all at TOLFA’s 2nd ball. It was a truly memorable event attended by 60 people who were the first to see our new promotional video that highlighted the work we do in India.

The whole evening raised a magnificent £1200 which will go such a long way in India, helping us continue the work we do.

Our ball held at the Great Northern Hotel, Peterborough

We were certainly blessed with glorious weather for our 2nd Charity Ball on 13th September. The sun was shining and the air was warm. We at TOLFA headquarters were feeling unusually calm but in eager anticipation of the evening to come.

It had been a full 18 months since our very first ball which had gone extremely well. We managed to raise £400 but were looking to do one better this time around.

The final preparations included setting up our raffle and tombola table with prizes, displaying our table plan and laying our tables with striking floral centerpieces and sari material in bright jewel colours of red and green.

Come 7o’clock we were all dressed up in our Salwar Kameez and awaiting our first guests, ready to offer them a welcome drink in the elegant Hambleton Room. Over the next hour people arrived, mingled and drank wine before being seated in anticipation of a delicious 3 course meal.

Kim welcomes everyone to the 2nd Tree of Life for Animals ball

Kim Clarke, Managing Trustee of TOLFA UK did a short introductory speech to welcome everyone before we tucked in to Carrot and Coriander Soup, Chicken in Mushroom and Marsala sauce (or Mushroom Stroganoff for the veggies amongst us) followed by a sublime lemon meringue. Fun and frolics ensued as the Whizz balloons were released, causing red faces and plenty of giggles.

Jemma, a loyal supporter, gets blowing the whizzing balloons

Over coffee and mints Rachel Wright, TOLFA’s founder showed our new promotional video (soon to come on this site) which had been specially created by our trustee, Serena Schellenberg and her team of contacts by the magic of projector technology. The film, just 3 minutes long, moved many people and was a fantastic way of showing everyone what we do and what effect TOLFA’s work has had over the past 3 years for the animals and people involved.

It was then the chance for those lucky people who had bought winning raffle tickets to come and collect their prize from a fabulous selection before being swept away by the live entertainment from Funblast, a chance to boogie the night away - and those calories!

A reveller enjoys the bubble machine and disco at our charity ball

Because of the clement weather we were able to open the doors leading to the tranquil garden complete with water feature - a great place to cool down after some energetic dancing. As the clocks struck midnight the evening slowly wound down to a close. Hopefully everyone left with happy memories of our evening.

Rachel with Clara and Alba, two of our previous Project Raja Volunteers

Thank You’s

Without the following people this years charity ball wouldn’t have been possible. Royal Canin, Vet UK and Sarah Solmssen for all sponsoring a table.

Funblast for providing the fantastic entertainment.

Garden of Eden, Oakham Ales and Imperial Bento Chinese Restaurant for donating a selection of great raffle prizes and the Great Northern Hotel for helping us organise and ensure proceedings went smoothly on the night.

Last but definitely not least a huge thanks to every one of you 60 supporters who bought a ticket and attended!

Kym, trustee and volunteer coordinator enjoys a joke with friends