Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

CHILDREN FIRST DERBY FASHION SHOW EVENT RAISES OVER £4,000 TO SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES

CHILDREN FIRST DERBY FASHION SHOW EVENT RAISES OVER £4,000 TO SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES

Local charity Children First Derby celebrated the hugely successful return of its popular Annual Fashion Show Event. 

Sponsored by Pentagon Motor Group, held on 12th November 2021 at the Derby Conference Centre, which raised over £4,000 to help support local vulnerable children, young people, and families.

The fun-filled, packed event was hosted by BBC Radio Derby Presenter’s Andy Twigge, (Twiggy) and Dave Fletcher, who kept the audience entertained throughout with their witty commentary. With guests of honour including Children First Derby Patron, renowned Actress and BAFTA nominee, Gwen Taylor, and the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Robin Wood.

“It’s fantastic to have our events up and running again and to welcome the return of our popular Fashion Show,” said Children First Derby Chair, Fred Jacques.

“Our fundraising capacity was greatly reduced due to the effects of the pandemic, which proved to be a very challenging time. We’re therefore delighted to announce that this year’s Fashion Show has raised over £4,000 for Children First Derby - helping us to support local vulnerable children, young people and families.

“And we would like to thank everyone here for your incredible support, which is, as always, very much appreciated.”

The Fashion Show models comprised of a string of prominent local business leaders who made their debut on the catwalk to help raise funds and awareness for the charity, alongside a host of the charity’s longstanding volunteers, trustees, members of the fundraising team, and Children First Derby friends and supporters.

The dazzling models entered the spirit of the evening, as they strutted and danced their way down the catwalk, much to everyone’s delight. They showcased a range of day wear, stunning bridal wear and beautiful evening wear featuring the latest lines of clothing available from several high street stores, who kindly supported the event.

As part of the event, various fundraising activities took place throughout the evening, which included a raffle and selling Christmas cards designed by local children for the charity as part of a recent Children First Derby fundraising initiative.

And in a concerted effort to generate more money for the charity, Andy Twigge and Dave Fletcher started an informal auction for one of the packs of Christmas cards, which saw local businessman and continued supporter of the charity, Karim Merchant, Director of Merchant Jewellers, place the highest winning bid of £50. Karim then asked the BBC Radio presenters to sign the cards, before kindly donating them back to the charity asking that the signed cards be sent out to some of Children First Derby’s supported families.

The event concluded with an unforgettable finale featuring David Birrell and Derby Diva, Queenie, who glamorously modelled the evening wear collection, followed by a superb live performance from X Factor Finalist, soul singer and song writer Errol Cole.

A special thank you bouquet of flowers was presented to the charity’s patron, Gwen Taylor, thanking her for her continued support of the charity. And a heartfelt thank you was given to Pentagon Motor group, who sponsored the Children First Derby Fashion Show.

Established in 1974, Children First Derby provides three bespoke services; a Family Support Service, A Mentoring Service and a Supervised Contact Service for Looked After Children in Derby.

The charity recently won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, for its vital work supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, and their families.

Picture: Irshad Baqui, CFD CEO, CFD founder Milly Wigley, Marion Jacques, Mayor Robin Wood, CFD Patron Gwen Taylor & CFD Chair Fred Jacques


< Back