Fundraiser surpasses expectations.

What began as an idea by Howard Westcott selling T-shirts to raise money for the Javea Bomberos turned into perhaps the biggest gathering of the ex-pat and local community for a long time last Sunday. (18th Sept) The fire and the terrible aftermath had touched most people who live in the Javea/Benitaxell area. It set in motion a plethora of impromptu events organised by local businesses, all with the same objective - to raise money for the Bomberos.

Mayor, Jose Chuvli

Fighting the fires had depleted their kit and equipment. It was imperative they had money to replenish: the rain was still a long way off coming. 

Thanks to social media (What would we do without Facebook?) a group of volunteers put themselves forward to organise a fundraiser and concert. Mick Ford of Laguna Ribs in Javea agreed to host the event, Howard got to work organising more T-shirts to sell, Ann Martin and Rhian Mulcrone badgered people for raffle and auction prizes (although many companies volunteered items); Lasse Eriksson rostered the acts for the concert.

Many more, including local Spanish people, volunteered their services.Truly the local community pulling in the same direction.  Even local radio station Total FM got in on the act. They offered to broadcast the whole event live from 4pm until midnight. Chris and Wendy Williams brought the studio to Laguna Ribs and yours truly was the genial host for the day.

The T-shirts make a great sunshade!

Come the hour the numbers attending shocked the organisers. Hundreds of people flocked through the gates all day to show their support for the brave fire fighters. The organising committee and the staff of Laguna Ribs were run off their feet selling raffle tickets, organising sound checks and band change over's, face painting and selling cakes; the bar and restaurant staff never stopped serving. I must give one charity a shout out. Make a Smile help deprived children in Javea. They brought along stuffed toys and teddy's to sell - all proceeds went straight into the fund.

Francis Abrams

The entertainment was as mixed and as varied as you could get. Pianist, entertainer and general good guy Ian Henry started off the entertainment in his own inevitable style and was followed by his vocalist wife Gill. She sang a range from Caro Emerald to full blown opera - amazing. Francis Abrams beguiled the crowds on the sax and with his soulful voice and Lola Smolokowski, a concert pianist, raised the roof with her finale from Carmen - a tribute to the Bomberos.

Jose Chulvi, the mayor of Javea arrived and Howard Westcott gave an emotional speech before handing over money to the Bomberos from T-shirt sales: pre-event. The Mayor replied with another emotional thanks to the Bomberos and the local community for pulling together. He also took the time to meet and chat with many in the crowd. The final word belonged to Alan Lawton, the local fire fighting commander. He thanked everyone for coming along and supporting them. He emphasised all the firefighters were volunteers, amazing when you think of their bravery and sheer focus on keeping lives and property safe. Afterwards he and his crew were

swamped by the crowds, all wanting photos with their heroes.

What followed was a rock concert as Dream in Blue, SZ Band, Why Not Rock, Happy Freuds, Niamh O'Sheelan and DC3 cranked up the volume and entertained the audience until midnight. Lasse and his road crew ensured the sounds were perfect and the link to Total FM was monitored and managed by it's station chief Chris Williams. My contribution? I provided the banter between acts and facilitated an auction contributing well over a thousand euros into the pot. Many thanks to all the generous people who bid.

Howard Westcott

Gill Hendry

The night was not over for some. Laguna Ribs had to be cleaned up, sound & lighting equipment had to be dismantled and the most important job - money had to be counted. Four Thousand Euros had already been handed over to the Bomberos from T-shirt sales. The money remaining was from the raffle and auctions.

Even the kids got involved in fundraising - cakes by Ann Martin

It took almost a week to count the money; in my own experience the final total can always be described as fluid. Individual businesses were still holding collection boxes and T Shirts. Some donations still had to come in as well as auction pledges. Ann Martin and Howard were in regular contact via a dedicated message group - the figure rose daily.

So, I'm sat writing this post on a late September Sunday morning, keeping an eye on the Facebook conversation between Ann and Howard. The final total is still slightly fluid but...it looks like the figure could be close to 15,000 Euros - outstanding! 

  

This figure is phenomenal considering the short time the organisers had to put it all together. It does however show the generosity of the local community and businesses. A fighting spirit the fires couldn't take away.

Bomberos commander - Alan Lawton

Picture credits - Rab Ronaldson