The much-anticipated Waddle-on-Sea Grand Auction has raised an incredible £205,000 for Havens Hospices. Held on Thursday 25th September at The Boatyard, Leigh-on-Sea, the event was a celebration of the end of the hugely successful summer art trail, which saw over 100 penguin sculptures transform the streets of Southend and Leigh-on-Sea.
Hosted by Clive Emson Auctioneers and Stacey’s Auctioneers and Valuers, who generously donated their time and expertise, with support from Charlie Langhorn from Wild in Art, the auction attracted a full house of over 100 guests as well as a pool of online and telephone bidders, eager to secure their favourite sculptures amongst 37 Lots.
Amy Dearing, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Havens Hospices, said: “It was so lovely to see familiar faces and a few new ones joining us for this special event. Waddle-on-Sea has been a perfect example of what can be achieved when a community comes together – from the incredible artists, schools and groups who took part, visitors who explore the trail, to the Partners and Sponsors who believed in this project.
“Their support has turned an idea into a reality, taking art out of galleries and onto our streets for everyone to enjoy. Waddle-on-Sea helped bring families together, giving people reasons to explore and smile, to feel proud of Southend and to celebrate creativity – something that feels especially important right now.”
She continued: “The auction wasn’t just about finding forever homes for our penguins. The money raised will fund specialist, personalised care that only Havens Hospices can offer to families facing the toughest times of their lives. The generosity throughout the whole trail has a longer-lasting and deeply meaningful impact on our community for years to come.”
The top-selling sculpture of the night was Snowflake. The small, bejewelled penguin sculpture by Havens Hospices supporter Sarah Nash sold for a huge £11,000. Sarah also donated some surprise miniature versions of her sculptures Snowflake and Daisy, which were auctioned in the room, raising a few thousand pounds in addition.
The money raised will go directly towards the charity’s expert, free care, which is facing increasing demand. Havens Hospices is an independent charity but plays a vital role in the local healthcare system, providing support that helps local babies, children, adults, and their families make the most of the time they have across Essex.
For more information and updates about Waddle-on-Sea, follow @WaddleonSea on social media.
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About Havens Hospices
Havens Hospices is a charity that provides specialist care and support for people of all ages living with incurable conditions and their families. We work closely with the person and their health and social care professionals to ensure their care and support are the best it can possibly be so everyone in our community can get the most from life and make every day count.
Our specialist team offers a wide range of care and support options for patients and their loved ones based on their needs and wishes. This can be in the comfort of their own home, in the hospices – Fair Havens for adults or Little Havens for children – or a combination.
Our care and support includes everyone, extending to partners, family and friends to make sure the right support is there for patients and the people who matter to them, where and when they need it.
This care is provided absolutely free of charge thanks to the kind donations from the community.
For more information, www.havenshospices.org.uk
About Wild in Art
Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events that entertain, enrich, inform and leave a lasting legacy. It brings together businesses and creative sectors with schools and local communities through the creation of uniquely painted sculptures.
Wild in Art events have enabled over £26.5m to be raised for charitable causes, injected £4.8m into local creative communities, engaged over 1.3 million young people in learning programmes and helped millions of people of all ages to experience art in non-traditional settings.
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