Events

Second Anniversary Gala Dinner

30/11/2009

The Warrior Programme's 2nd Anniversary Gala Dinner - Monday 30 November 2009, at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. Celebriities and other guests turned out in force to support this prestigious event. There was barely a dry eye in the house as guests listened to first-hand accounts from ex-service personnel who spoke of their traumas and suffering and how they experienced significant changes from participating in the Warrior Programme. Expertly chaired by BBC's political correspondent, Carole Walker, and immediately followed by a musical performance from one of the Warrior's themselves, and then by Jeanne Marine (Sir Bob Geldof's girlfriend and Warrior Ambassador), who sang a song especially dedicated to the Warriors (sung at a previous Warrior event with John Ilsley of Dire Straits). The chairman, Lt Gen Anthony Palmer welcomed and thanked everyone for their support. Eva Hamilton, Founder and Director set the challenge of raising £1m within the next two years.

During the three course dinner, guests were entertained by Katrine Boorman's (trustee) lively auction skills, and Antonio Carluccio surprised everyone by going up on stage and offering to cook dinner for four in the successful bidder's own home. Next up was Charley Boorman, and just as it seemed the volume could go no higher, Sir Bob Geldof stepped onto the stage and offered an additional auction prize - a photograph of Michael Jackson, taken 25 years ago to the very day when celebrating Band Aid's success. This resulted in great excitement and frenzied bidding, with Gillian Anderson (X-files) taking the prize. As the auction concluded, everyone took to the dance floor to infamous Irish band, the Wild Colonial Boys who rounded off the evening to great applause.