A Cornwall-wide charity has received overwhelming support for a key event which will take place this month.  

The Samaritans of Cornwall at Truro are holding their 50th anniversary ball and charity auction at the Eden Project on Saturday, November 11, to raise funds for its life-saving and life-changing services. 

In answer to its appeal for experiences to make its grand charity auction a success on the night, businesses have come forward with prizes and support that the charity hopes will help raise significant funds. 

The event anticipates more than 200 guests which include charity Patrons, Rick and Sara Stein; the Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Hugh Nelson; Cllr. Sam Rabey, Deputy Mayor of Truro; and Tim Owen of ‘3 Dads Walking’. 

With David ‘Fitz’ Fizgerald from BBC Radio Devon MCing and auctioneer for the night, prizes include: dinner, bed and breakfast at the Seafood Restaurant, thanks to Rick Steins; a £200 voucher thanks to St Austell Brewery; a week’s stay in a beautiful retreat in Rock thanks to Porthilly Shellfish; a ride in a Bentley with a cream tea picnic for two thanks to Kallis Solicitors; one-night stay with dinner for two thanks to Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate; a Cyanotype Workshop experience thanks to Josie Purcell Photography; a forest school birthday party for children or a forest team day for adults thanks to Naturally Learning; a gift voucher thanks to Cornish Spliced; a session with Cornish Wave Surf School; season entry for two to Tremenheere Sculpture Garden; a family voucher for Helston Railway; and a painting from John Dane.  

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of champagne thanks to LVMH in conjunction with the Rick Stein Group, and table magic throughout the evening thanks to magician and illusionist Roger Lapin; the event has also received support from a range of other local businesses including Vospers, Abbotts Event Hire and Eventy Marketing & PR. 

Sue Wilkins, director of Cornwall Samaritans said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all the businesses who have offered prizes and assistance with this special event.  

“Cornwall Samaritans has helped adults and children across the Duchy for over half a century. With 2023 representing 75 years of the UK charity Samaritans, we are marking this milestone and celebrating the achievements of hundreds of local volunteers.” 

He added: “This is a vital time for Cornwall Samaritans, with a target of just over £1million for capital redevelopments needed to make our building in Truro more accessible. 

“We have made significant progress and we hope that this event will help us to close in on our target. 

“Samaritans of Cornwall is an independent charity, run completely by volunteers – including myself as director. Although receiving administrative support from Samaritans national head office, we do not receive any funding from the central charity, so it is vital that we fundraise locally to ensure our charity continues to deliver its services here in Cornwall.” 

Following the grand charity auction and three-course meal, guests will be addressed by Rick Stein and Tim Owen – one of the ‘3 Dads Walking’; followed by swing band Jessica and the Rabbits. 

To purchase tickets to attend or an auction offer on any of the lots, contact Samaritans of Cornwall at Truro on [email protected]