The HOPE Sanctuary Articles - The Hope-Martin Charity Auction Fundraiser



	The Hope-Martin Charity Auction Fundraiser May 02 , 2008 On the 2nd January 2008, The Hope-Martin Foundation, held a charity auction at Lancaster Great House to raise funding for the Dog Neutering and Humane Education Programme.
	Simon Cowell, an avid and loyal supporter of The Hope, kindly and most generously, participated in the bidding. Simon actually launched the neutering bus, cutting the red ribbon, back in January 2007. Various artists, designers, promoters and event organisers donated items to be auctioned or sold. Simon Cowell made the winning bid on a London evening for two at The Donmare Warehouse Theatre followed by dinner for two at UK’s famous celebrity restaurant ‘The Ivy’. The highest seller of the evening was the James Bond premiere and VIP after-party. Artists Corrie Scott, Patrick Chevailler and Virginia Trieloff also contributed items towards the event. Salvatore Ferragamo handbags, Disney memorabilia from the film Pirates of the Caribbean, Kashmir silk rugs and Afghan wool Khelims where also available for sale and on display. Designer Simon Foster supplied a handcrafted dog lease. Roger Chubb, an ex- Sotheby's auctioneer ran the proceedings.

	Simon Cowell supporting the cause	Virginia Trieloff featuring one of her famous dog canvasses

	Many well-respected and prestigious local business persons attended – with the likes of Charles Leacock - Director Of Public Prosecutions; Peter Odle owner of Mango Bay and president of the Caribbean Hotel Association; Lisa Cole of SOJE-Lonsdale Advertising. Gratitude to Mr. Tony Martin, whom without him, none of this would have been possible. Mr. Martin financed the setup of the bus and his generous donation continues to assist in the daily running of this programme. Since the auction, Simon Cowell has most wonderfully donated a sum of money from his £90m empire towards building a custom-built sanctuary for The Hope. The auction was a fantastic success. Thank you to everyone that bid, attended, donated goods, and all those that helped at the event.

	The bidding attendees – a fantastic turnout	Cornelia Coulthrust, the founder and President of The Hope Sanctuary with the Director of Public Prosecutions Charles Leacock and wife Betty June Leacock.



	Laura Heath, the Project Manager of The Neutering Bus with Nicola Gibbs handing over Foxy her pet dog modelling the Simon Foster dog lease.	Roger Chubb, the auctioneer presenting a Salvatore Ferragamo handbag



	Laura Heath presenting one of the auctioned dresses	Laura Heath’s Mother Hilary Heath presenting a football top


	Ian Bourne, The Bajan Reporter with Jacqueline Ashby, volunteer of The Hope Team	Fiona Linney, a Hope supporter and volunteer with Jacqueline Ashby


	Our sweet little flower girls who helped at the event	Annie Gage and Mr. Tony Martin


	Alison Surfleet, one of the two neutering bus vets and boyfriend, Irish singer Ricky Barr, who supplied the live acoustic entertainment.	Ian Bourne and a thumbs up with Simon Cowell



	Simon Cowell at the launch of the Neutering Bus last year 2007

	Being a non-profit organisation, we are always grateful and appreciative of donations – however big or small. Due to the ever increasing over-population of unwanted dogs and lack of education with regards to animal welfare, The Hope-Martin Foundation will continually require financial support. The Hope Sanctuary, run by volunteers, (where we Rescue, Rehabilitate and Re-home dogs and cats) is extremely under-funded - any assistance is always GREATLY appreciated. Please click here for further details
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