Postscript

“A wonderful evening .... Refreshing new format …. Not what we expected!” These are a few highlights from the feedback received, and a great relief to the organisers, too!

Attended by some 125 people from our own congregations and the community of Bahrain, the event was a both a social and financial success, raising some BD 3,400, a percentage of which has been donated to the work of the Ecumenical Conference of Charity.

This second major new fund-raising initiative to be organised by St. Christopher’s Cathedral during 2004 was viewed by the Dean as the culmination of the year’s harvest and a prelude to the Christmas season of fellowship and goodwill. The key attraction was the opportunity for many people to donate and/or promise their gifts and talents as auction lots.

The venue was the Gilgamesh Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel where Lots were displayed for viewing prior to dinner. Then the serious business began. With catalogues in hand, “punters” engaged in competitive bidding, while others enjoyed the entertainment. Losing no time, our Treasurer (and auctioneer) Andrew Petty ratcheted up the pace. Paying attention was the rule of the game. For those who waved to a waiter, hesitated to bid and/or failed to make snap decisions, there were surprises and disappointments!

To the relief of all – those with early morning starts the next day, the organisers and a few sceptics (now converted!) – everyone left for home by 10.30 p.m., some already asking: “Are you going to do it all again next year?!”

The answer: most likely. But for now, I shall simply say thank-you to all who shared my vision, supported the project and helped it to become a successful reality, particularly the fund-raising committee’s “joint venture” partners in this event: the social committee.