Bedford Castle Rotary Club’s Celebrity Lunch with Roy Walker was due to take place on March 20, but with the country about to go into lockdown, a decision was taken to cancel the event.
Despite this, ‘the lunch that never was’ still raised the fantastic sum of £16,100 for Keech Hospice Care.
Over 300 people had booked tickets for the lunch and many of these opted to donate the ticket cost rather than take up a refund.
Further donations were also received from many more who hadn’t purchased tickets.
President Mike Salsbury said: “To raise such an incredible amount of money for an event that didn’t take place is just incredible and I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our members, ticket holders and sponsors for their donations.
“The Pandemic has hit hospices hard, and so I am delighted that we were able to present a cheque to Keech Hospice Care during these difficult times.”
Charles Codrington Chairman of fundraising for the club, thanked his committee for all their efforts, especially Chris Kilroy and the team at Old Road Securities.
