Adventure Travel Company Helping Children’s Dreams Come True at Charity Gala
Verve Rally took a detour from their day to day job curating supercar adventures across Europe for those who love speed and luxury, to fundraise to help make the dreams of critically ill children come true. This sold-out, 150 people black-tie Charity Gala Ball held on Friday 22nd November at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane in Mayfair, was organised by Darshana Ubl the cofounder of Verve Rally, to raise much-needed funds for a cause close to Ubl’s heart; Make-A-Wish UK®, which offers bucket-list experiences for young people with life-threatening conditions
For the third year running, Darshana Ubl has hosted the charity event in aid of Make-A-Wish UK®. This year, Verve Rally participants, UK business leaders, influencers, and political heads were joined by ‘Miss Ballooniverse’, featured on The Apprentice, to decorate our esteemed guests with delicate and beautiful light-up fascinators, flower corsages and the occasional monkey curled around a tuxedo arm.
The VIP drinks reception was adorned with the glittering jewellery display of Geraldo Jewellery, the beautiful and inspiring Artwork of Leyden Gallery and the elegant work of private tailoring service Serena Sartorial.
The evening’s entertainment began with a remarkable Regal Ballet performance of 5-8yo dancers whose talent and poise, along with their pink outfits, fit seamlessly in the elegance of the Sheraton Grand Ballroom.
Followed by Miroslav Sekula’s fantastically impressive street dance performance to the gasps and awe of guests, as he threw himself into the music.
Fitting for the 1920s themed ballroom was a gourmet three-course meal and a selection of exclusive and exceptional live and silent auction lots.
Guests were then graced by the velvet tones of high-baritone rising star James Schouten, who gave us a sultry rendition of Can’t Take My Eyes of You, and we couldn’t! James brought the boogie with his performance of Sway which had so many of our guests out of their seats and showing off their samba vibes. And almost too soon, closing his set with a profoundly moving performance of Nessum Dorma.
Beloved auctioneer Jamie Breese, known for his role on BBC2’s The Antiques Show, made a welcome return at the 2019 edition of the Gala Ball. He entertained whilst raising funds for the charity auctioning some incredible items and experiences, including Penhaligon’s Lord George, a one week stay at a luxurious 6-bedroom contemporary chalet in the Swiss Alps, a three-course dinner with Champagne at Home House Members Club for four, a two night stay at a 5* Belmond hotel in Tuscany with breakfast for two, bespoke lingerie by Benveniste Couture, a signed Anthony Joshua glove and a limited edition framed pop art silkscreen print of Steve McQueen.
Blackjack and Roulette tables sponsored by the Barracuda Club kept people feeling lucky throughout the night.
Columbian sensation Anjelica Lopez continued the evening’s musical delights, with the moving beauty of her voice and brought guests together to shake their hips on the dance floor. That dance floor kept going and growing as DJ Markus spun some dance-floor filling tracks before guests headed off for the After Party at the Barracuda Club.
Congratulations to Linsday Moran, awarded Best Dressed Man sponsored by The Barracuda Club. In a room full of glamorous dresses, Hedoine’s pick for Best Dressed Woman brought on to stage a beautiful group of ladies, awarding the Best Dressed prize to the sparkling Julia Hope.
“Life is all about enjoying incredible experiences, and at Verve Rally our aim is to create truly unique experiences and adventures that really do make for a memorable trip,” says Verve Rally Co-Founder Darshana Ubl. “Make-A-Wish Foundation UK does exactly the same for terminally ill children all across the country, helping to make their wishes come true, and it is an honour to be able to support the charity, and the children they help, through hosting our annual charity gala events”.
Make-A-Wish UK® grants magical wishes to bring joy and happiness into the lives of young people who have been diagnosed with life-threatening and terminal conditions. The organisation, part of Make-A-Wish Foundation International goes above and beyond to transform children’s dreams into a reality when they need it most. The foundation believes that a child’s life should be filled with wonder, joy, and hope; a sentiment that is shared by Darshana Ubl and the Verve Rally team.
This event was proudly sponsored by WEALD Wealth Management, Barracuda Club, Home House and other partners.
Verve Rally was founded by entrepreneurs Darshana Ubl and Marcus Ubl. Together, they have created a one-of-a-kind travel company which brings luxury travel enthusiasts and unique driving adventures together for a completely different type of holiday.
Verve Rally also gives back to the environment, featured in headlines earlier this year for hosting their carbon-neutral rally travelling from London to the continent, planting trees to offset carbon emissions.
To find out more about Verve Rally, visit https://www.ververally.com/
