The BC Club committee (l-r) Steve Wells, Leon Stimpson, Shan Seewooruthun, Paul Meyer and Jamie Hughes
A club for businessmen from the Bournemouth area raised an astonishing £53,000 for charity – in one night.
The BC Club formed in 2008 organises events where members can enjoy themselves, but also raise funds for good causes.
The latest event held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium broke all their records with the amount raised.
Over 200 people – including wives and partners of members – enjoyed a fine meal, games and an auction.
The amazing prizes were all donated so every penny made on the night will be distributed to local charities.
Steve Wells, who is on the committee along with Shan Seewooruthun, Paul Meyer, Jamie Hughes and Leon Stimpson, said: “The amount raised shocked even us.
“We formed the BC Club as a lads’ club so we could have some fun but also raise much needed money for people who are often unable to access vital funding.
“In 2013 we held an event so all our wives and family could attend and it went so well we decided we’d hold another one.
“AFC Bournemouth were fantastic in hosting us and helped with a subsidised package that allowed us to raise even more money. In addition they donated a signed shirt that was auctioned.
“We were also incredibly lucky to have been given some very generous prizes and auction items from both members of the club and local businesses.
“A few of the highlights were a villa in Switzerland for a week, a luxury villa in Marbella for a week and a 42ft Sunseeker with full hospitality for a day.
“Due to the fantastic generosity of the donors we were able to auction these top prizes twice therefore raising even more funds on the night.
“There were also super prizes for the games we played, including a holiday for four in Tenerife and a diamond necklace donated by Franses Jewellers worth almost £1,500.
“The lady who won the necklace asked us to put it back into the auction and then proceeded to get her husband to buy it for her!
“The most important thing is that we now have funds to continue to give to local needy causes and also to continue our support for our regular charities.
“To raise that sum in one night surprised all of us on the committee and we want to thank everyone for their support.”
Over the years the BC Club has given money to a host of good causes including Round Table Children’s Wish, Dorset Destroyers wheelchair rugby team, Dreamflight, Youth Cancer Trust and Gully’s Place.
Since it formed, the club has raised over £100,000 for charities and good causes.
