British aviation charity Aerobility raised £101,000 through a record-breaking auction – vital funds which will enable more people facing disability to experience the life changing power of flight.
The auction took place on Saturday, 30th November at the Sofitel Heathrow T5 as part of one of the charity’s biggest annual fundraising events, the Aerobility Aviators’ Ball. The event brought together over 400 people from civilian and military aviation communities, as well as members of the charity, friends, family, supporters and members of the public.
Guests bid generously on a wide range of items during a charity auction at the event and enjoyed appearances from special guests including the RAF’s Red Arrows flying display team, breathtaking entertainment from The Rock Choir, showstopping dance band Go Go Gadget Legs and a sumptuous three course meal.
Sponsors and members of the public generously donated prizes to the auction, which featured over one hundred items with budgets for every pocket, from signed books to biplane flights.
All proceeds from the 2019 Aviators’ Ball will go to Aerobility, a registered charity offering people with all kinds of disabilities, without exception, the opportunity to experience a life changing sense of freedom through flying and aviation-based activities.
Corporate organisations NATS, 2Excel, British Airways and Breitling UK generously supported the event.
Aerobility Flyer, Stuart Miller, who became paralysed from the waist down at the age of eight, said: “There’s nothing like the sense of achievement you get from flying – it really is life changing. I came to Aerobility purposeless and disappointed in life. Aerobility has enabled me to become a qualified pilot, increased my confidence and encouraged me to take on new goals. I have gone back to college and got a qualification in finance. Now I work for Aerobility and volunteer for an additional day a week. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Aerobility. I want others to know that it is possible to fly when you have a disability and to see that anything is possible. It means a lot that there are so many generous people out there willing to donate and support Aerobility’s amazing work.”
Aerobility CEO, Mike Miller Smith MBE, said, “In light of Brexit, 2019 has been an uncertain time for everybody, within and beyond the aviation industry, so it’s wonderful to be able to confound expectations and raise £101,000 through the Aviators’ Ball. This is a vital source of income for the charity and a record amount for us. Thank you to everyone who sponsored the event, donated prizes or bid on the night – every penny raised has a direct impact on the work we do. Because of your support we will be able to help more people experience the life changing freedom of flight.”
