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Over 250  guests looking resplendent in a fabulous array of masks were greeted with pink champagne served by Living Tables  to the third COINS Ball celebrating the 3 Peaks Challenge at Beaumont House, Old Windsor, with funds being raised in support of the COINS Foundation.  

It was very much appreciated to see  COINS 3 Peaks  2009 team members from Costain, Stephensons and Osborne as well as familiar faces from Lovell, John Laing Partnership, Progress, Henley IS, John Laing Training, Chris Curd Design, Azzurri, Logicalis, Total Objects, Fusion,  and many friends and family from COINS.

During dinner the ultimate gondola race was held (in animation) with boats sponsored by Chris Curd Design, Henley IS, JLT, Lovell, Total Objects, Lovell, Oasis and MJS Construction. The gondoliers were introduced by MC for the evening Jeremy O’Donnell, to loud cheers from their supporters. It was a closely-run event with the race lead changing all the time. Unfortunately Jim Barry fell into the canal, resulting from what looked like deliberate interference from Larry Sullivan, but after a stewards’ enquiry Larry was cleared. The finish really couldn’t have been closer but Springsteen’s Groupie, rowed by Mix Saxby and sponsored by MJS Construction, won by a short head.

After dinner, COINS Chairman Larry Sullivan spoke about the recent USA COINS 3 Peaks event and the 2010 8^th UK  event which is on 8/9^th May, before introducing England rugby legend Jason Leonard who kept the guests entertained with some backroom tales from his playing days.

Jason then presented trophies to the three highest fundraisers from the 2009 COINS 3 Peaks. Third was Costain led by Lee Holman – they have been regular participants of the events and this year raised £15,944.09. Second highest was Stephensons – Ellie  Sheil had to drop out of the 2008 3 Peaks after Scafell and came back determined to complete the course and be one of the highest fund raisers this year – her teams raised £16,842.60. The winner was Osborne led by Melissa Lewis and Will Hughes.  Osborne has consistently entered teams in the event – and  the £20,804.60 raised this year won them the title of Fundraisers of the Year and a trophy presented by Jason Leonard.

Ric Law, chairman of the COINS Foundation, thanked guests for coming along before showing a short presentation giving examples of where the hard-earned sponsorship money is being spent, particularly at the moment in Kawama where the Foundation is working with the community building two extra school rooms for the orphans and vulnerable children – at the same time training young people from the village in the art of brick making and bricklaying. COINS covers all the overheads for the 3 Peaks events so every penny goes into the Foundation.

Then there was a vivacious auction conducted by JeremyO’Donnell. The auction items which attracted most interest and competition were the Trip to Venice eventually won by Mike James from COINS, and the golf at Stoke Park – which again was very closely contested by Mike Saxby of MJS Construction and Keith Gibson of COINS – Mike once again coming out the winner.  Other very popular auction items were a weekend sailing off the English coast, which Jim Barry went home with; the escorted tour of the House of Lords which was won by Judith Saxby; and a rugby package of tickets, signed shirt and ball which Ann Dobson successfully bid for.

Dancing was to the incredible PartyX who had everyone on their feet until the end of the evening.

The final figure raised was £15,000.

We would like to take this opportunity to mention the kind sponsors who donated to the auction and raffle: Select Promotions, Oasis, Principal Hayley Hotels and Conference Venues, Stoke Park Club, David and Margaret Elliot, 360 Media Studio Photography, Sue and Steve Jones, Savill Court, First B2B, Logicalis, Dishy Cookery School, MISCO, Clarity Vision, The Egyptian Room and The Really Useful Theatre company. 

Thanks to all who donated auction prizes, raffle prices and to those who came along to support the event which was obviously enjoyed by all.

Following on from the success of the 2009 ball we are looking forward to 2010 being bigger and the better yet; keep a look out on our website for dates to be posted.