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.
Children First Derby Chair, Fred Jacques, said:
“It’s fantastic to have our events up and running again and to welcome the return of our popular Fashion Show. 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’s 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 presenters also interviewed supporter of the charity and one of the Fashion Show’s models, Victoria Spencer-Kibble, founder of Vask Therapy, who dyed her hair a vibrant pink for the occasion as a way of raising additional funds, so far raising almost £200 for the charity.
The event concluded with an unforgettable finale featuring David Birrell and Derby Diva, Queenie, who glamorously took to the catwalk in a fabulous ensemble of outfits, 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 special thanks was given to Fundraising Volunteers, Sandra Harrison and Jenny Bird, who worked tirelessly, alongside our Children First Derby Fundraising staff and volunteers, to help organise the successful event.
A heartfelt thank you was given to the sponsors of the Fashion Show, Pentagon Motor Group for their generous and continued support. And the Roebuck at Draycott in the Clay was also thanked as they held a special raffle for the Fashion Show, raising an incredible £500.
We would like to say a HUGE Thank You to our fantastic models who worked hard to support the event and were absolutely superb: Friends of Children First Derby – Clarissa, Sophie, Aoife, Kiwi, Emily and Dom (Bride and Groom) and Kath. Supporters of Children First Derby – Tanita, proprietor of Merchant’s Jewellers and Melissa from Inchcape Toyota Derby. Long standing Children First Derby Volunteer – Wendy. Children First Derby Trustee – Rachel. Supporters of Children First Derby and members of Derby’s Finest – Claire Twells, Partner at Smith partnership, Victoria and Louise. Children First Derby Fundraising Coordinator – Gina. And former Mayoress of Derby, Juliette.
We would also like to say a special Thank You to the following high street stores who helped to support the charity’s fashion event: New Look, Primark, Whistles, Marks and Spencer, Dalrymples, Hobbs London, All Saints, Jillian Hart, Phase Eight, Tiffany Jordan, Quiz, Izzy, and Bedazzled.