A Sparkling Afternoon Tea with an ABBA Twist Raises £8161.75 for Alexander Devine

On a sun-kissed Saturday that resonated with the sound of ABBA’s timeless tunes, we hosted our Sparkling Afternoon Tea, an event brimming with joy, generosity, and togetherness.  

The Sparkling Afternoon Tea was a concept forged by our Patron, expert chocolatier Mark Tilling, who came to us with the idea in 2023, and it was down to his leadership and the hard work of our team and volunteers, that it came to life.

With a glittering turnout of 142 guests, the afternoon was a perfect blend of glamour and goodwill, raising an impressive £8161.75 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this day so memorable. 

A Day of ABBA-Themed Fun 

The event was more than just afternoon tea – it was an immersive experience. Themed around the ever-popular Swedish pop group, ABBA, the room was abuzz with their iconic hits like Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia, creating an atmosphere full of energy and nostalgia.

The Role of Volvo Cars and Our Generous Partners 

We owe a special thanks to Volvo Cars, our headline sponsor, for their incredible support, which helped make the event possible. Their commitment to helping Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service ensures we can continue our mission of providing vital care and services for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. 

We would also like to extend our thanks to our other partners and suppliers whose kindness made the event possible. The event was a collaborative effort supported by a number of fantastic local businesses: 

• GEMS generously provided the sound system that ensured ABBA’s greatest hits, and our playlist of ambient music, were heard loud and clear throughout the day. They also provided microphones and an incredible service ensuring that all could be heard.  

• Bay Tree Events provided the stunning marquee, which offered a beautiful and elegant setting for the afternoon. 

• BWH Drinks donated refreshing beverages that kept everyone’s spirits high, complementing the delicious food. Including beers, wines, Pimm’s and soft options.  

• Lavender Green Flowers adorned the tables with breath taking floral arrangements that added a touch of nature’s beauty to the surroundings. 

• Decobloom Boutique gave us vibrant and festive decorations that perfectly encapsulated the ABBA spirit – glitter balls, and everything!  

• JK Balloons gave us beautiful balloons to add the finishing touches to the marquee.

• Queen Anne’s School in Caversham kindly loaned us the tables and chairs, ensuring our guests had a comfortable spot to enjoy the festivities. 

Without the support of these incredible sponsors and donors, this event simply wouldn’t have been the success it was, and we thank them wholeheartedly. 

Mark Tilling’s Culinary Magic 

A true highlight of the afternoon was the exquisite food, prepared by none other than Mark Tilling, a world-class chocolatier, winner of Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, and our lovely Patron. Mark’s mastery in the kitchen was evident as he brought a delightful selection of treats to life, each infused with his unique culinary artistry. 

Mark’s dedication didn’t stop at just overseeing the event—he prepared all of the food himself! From delicate sandwiches to delectable pastries and light and fluffy scones, each dish was a testament to his skill and creativity. Working in collaboration with the Impact Food Group and volunteers from Alexander Devine, he curated a menu that delighted every guest. His passion for excellence ensured that the afternoon tea was not just delicious but memorable. 

Additionally, the Barry Callebaut group, whom Mark works for, generously donated some of their finest chocolates, which graced each table and made for an indulgent sweet treat that guests couldn’t resist. 

A Little Fun and a Lot of Generosity 

In addition to enjoying food, music, and great company, guests had the opportunity to partake in a variety of fun activities throughout the afternoon. One of the highlights was a lively game of ‘Heads or Tails’, or ‘Napkins and Glasses’ in this case, which had everyone, laughing and cheering as they tried their luck. 

The excitement didn’t stop there. We hosted a fabulous raffle, filled with fantastic prizes. Drawing the winners was none other than the charming and talented Debbie McGee, who added a sparkle of magic to the proceedings. Debbie’s warm and engaging presence had everyone captivated as the raffle winners were revealed, making for a thrilling end to the afternoon. 

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Volunteers 

Behind the scenes, a small army of volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure the event ran smoothly. From food preparation and waiting on tables to tending the bar, setting up in the morning, and cleaning up in the evening, their dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. Our volunteers are the backbone of events like these, and we are immensely thankful for all the effort they put in. 

Their contributions ensured that every guest had a seamless and enjoyable experience, allowing us to focus on raising crucial funds for the hospice. A huge thank you to each and every one of them for their time, energy, and unending support. 

The True Stars of the Day: Our Donors 

While the event was a dazzling success, it was the incredible generosity of our guests and donors that truly shone through. From the ticket sales to the proceeds from the raffle and other activities, the funds raised will go directly toward supporting the crucial work we do at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. The money will help us provide specialist care, support, and respite to children and their families when they need it most. 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, or contributed in any way. Your support makes a real difference to the lives of the children and families we serve, helping us to continue offering comfort, care, and joy. 

We look forward to seeing you at our next event! 

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