The Datebook Winter spring 2020 | Page 7

Royal Horticultural Halls Hosts Prestigious ‘Art Of Wishes’ Fundraiser he Art of Wishes’ Gala, created and founded by Make-A-Wish® UK Patron Batia Ofer, took place at Lindley Hall to raise funds for children’s charity, Make-A- Wish®, which grants the wishes of seriously ill children. emulsion, hazelnut and truffle Pommes Anna and pumpkin was followed by a dessert of Pandan crème brûlée, sesame tuile, mango sorbet and compressed mango. Award- winning cross-genre violinist Bar Markovich, electric guitarist Avi Mishali, and British musician, ‘T Simon de Pury in full fundraising mode. Renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury further raised the bar achieving great sums with frenetic bidders vying against one another to own an original piece of art, as well as a range of incredible experiences, including a lifetime membership to KX private members’ health club. Stunning botanical centrepieces adorned each table. With the inimitable David Walliams, OBE, acting as Master of Ceremonies, 400 high-profile guests from the worlds of art, fashion and design including Mary McCartney, Idris Khan and Natalie Rushdie enjoyed an evening of fine dining and entertainment against a priceless backdrop of art from artists such as Ai Weiwei and Annie Morris adorning the walls. From the ceiling a stunning botanical installation from American artist Jennifer Steinkamp was suspended giving the venue an ethereal aura. The setting clearly impressed the high-profile guests as fundraising currently stands at an incredible £1.6 million. songwriter and producer Elderbrook, all entertained later in the evening. More than 30 volunteers were on hand to pass iPads around the audience to showcase the donated artworks up for auction, which had been previewed at Phillips auction house in Mayfair in September. No-one left the party empty handed as everyone received a gift card for LVMH’s ecommerce site 24s and a VIP ticket to Frieze. www.rhhonline.co.uk A champagne reception was followed by a performance by West End Kids, before guests sat for dinner. Luxury caterers Rhubarb created three delicious courses including salt baked Jerusalem artichokes, pickled shimeji, smoked crème fraiche, cep crumble and shaved winter truffle for starter. A main of coal- roasted Cotswold white chicken, hispi cabbage, black garlic Jennifer Steinkamp's suspended work of art gave the event an ethereal aura. Visit The London & UK DatebooK on www.thedatebook.co.uk THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK 5