Teesside dealerships, Jennings SEAT and Jennings Mazda stepped in to support an event which is anticipated to raise thousands of pounds for two worthy charities.
The Rotary Club of Middlesbrough Erimus organised the Salute our Heroes Family Gala Day, which took place recently at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough and raised funds for ‘Help for Heroes’ and ‘The Soldiers’ Charity’ (formerly the Army Benevolent Fund).
JenningsSEAT and JenningsMazda, based on Cargo Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough, supported the event, which was hailed a huge success, with a number of bright and colourful vehicles on display, including SEAT’s popular 1.6 SE Ecomotive model, in addition to the sporty Leon Cupra and FR models from the Spanish range. The popular Mazda2 model was also on display throughout the day.
In excess of 5000 attended and participated in the many family fun activities which were scheduled over the course of the day.
The event was kick-started with a 4-mile charity walk through the grounds of Stewart Park and Ormesby Hall. This was followed by an afternoon of family fun with showground rides, a paint ball gallery, an army assault course, a climbing wall, entertainment from a pipe band and professional singers, in addition to a police helicopter and police horses on display.
Spectators were given the opportunity to take part in a specially co-ordinated ‘Picnic in the Park’ which was followed by a World War II Re-enactment.
A VIP Buffet and Reception followed by a Beating the Retreat Ceremony with the 102Bn REME Pipe Band and Durham ACF Borneo Band and Bugles, rounded off a perfect day of fundraising fun and entertainment.
Commenting on the event, Edmund Levie, President of The Rotary Club of Middlesbrough Erimus, said;
“The event was clearly a tremendous success, we couldn’t have asked for better support by the general public and we anticipate raising in the region of £7500 for ‘The Help for Heroes’ and ‘ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’.
Everyone has responded magnificently to these thoroughly worthwhile and deserving charities, which provide invaluable and much needed support to disabled and badly injured soldiers during and after service. An event of this size, however, would not be possible without the generous support from our sponsors and other charities and organisations all of whom contributed towards the day being such a brilliant success.”
Delighted to participate in the event, Craig Johnson, franchise manager at Jennings SEAT in Middlesbrough, said;
“We are very much a community-focused company and wherever we can we like to support events such as this.”