Portugal’s Biggest Coffee Morning was successfully launched on September 26, hosted by the Hilton Vilamoura. Kicking off an annual event to run simultaneously throughout the Algarve, the Hilton venue attracted around 80 visitors.
The phrase ‘let them eat cake’ was never so true as guests tucked into an array of calorific delights, daintily washed down with a caffeine fix and accompanied by the welcome sounds of sponsor Magic Fm who broadcast the event live on radio. Celebrity guest Patrick McKenzie mingled with the assembled crowd and the sounds of laughter were a feature from start to finish.
The event, which raised more than €1,000 for the Madrugada Charity, was organised by Alisia Alao of Black & White Events and offered an excellent opportunity for the charity’s president, Alison Blair, to talk a little about the work and achievements of Madrugada. She was visibly moved when she received a donation of €500 from one of the merry munchers.
Alison explained that the increased awareness of Madrugada’s services had led to a greater demand for home-based ‘end of life palliative care’, which the charity provides irrespective of someone’s ability to contribute financially.
“A donation from the family and friends of a patient is always very welcome and helps us tremendously, but this is not always possible and is not a criterion for receiving care. Madrugada recognises that the support of the community is of paramount importance and encourages everyone to continue supporting its charitable work, ensuring that they can keep on making a difference.”
At the charity’s own Support Centre in Praia da Luz, another coffee morning took place hosted by Helen Jones and a willing band of volunteers, raising just over €300. They enjoyed delicious homemade cakes and freshly brewed coffee and heard from attendees who have benefitted from Madrugada’s services. The Support Centre assists people from diagnosis of a life-limiting illness by providing a number of therapeutic activities. Madrugada would like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who contributed to this event.
A further event took place at the home of Jane and Robert Oliphant on October 4.
Traditionally organised to support the Macmillan worldwide event, Jane – having learnt of Madrugada’s support for two of her friends this year – decided to hold a dual event dividing the total between the two charities.
Jane thanked all who helped her, saying “your stalls look so fab and we have raised €3,075, a serious amount of money for a simple coffee morning. Please thank all your friends who so generously baked truly wonderful cakes, slaved for days making chutney, donated bottles and prizes for our tombola, provided beautifully presented gifts to raffle and then turned up to spend their money”.
A truly successful launch for Portugal’s Biggest Coffee Morning!
Photo: Unashamedly enjoying their cake and eating it! Event sponsors Jayne Jackson and Della Padfield (Arquiscape)
Photo by: BIRCH PHOTOGRAPHY
