Scone off: upcoming auction to raise funds for East Devon families in need
Scrumptious scones and an amazing auction is set to raise funds to support people in the south west people over the Christmas period.
Organisers for Operation Rudolph explain their aim to help East Devon families in need by trying to ensure they’re not left without a festive meal, or presents, over the festive period.
Part of the organisation for the season of goodwill is focused on the upcoming ‘Scone Off’ which is poised to surpass last year’s fundraising total.
Taking place at Deer Park in Weston near Honiton on Sunday, November 16, this popular event raises the funds required to provide vital support for families, and individuals, throughout the Christmas season.
They explain the support might mean ingredients for a festive meal are delivered to their home – or for people to have the chance to share Christmas dinner with others at Mackarness Hall.
It could also mean a beautifully wrapped gift for a young person who would otherwise go without. At the heart of the event is the upcoming Scone Off auction, featuring an extraordinary selection of lots donated by generous local businesses.
‘Tackling food insecurity and loneliness in the East Devon community’
Top of the list is an outstanding ‘Garden Bundle’ worth around £5,000, which includes garden design support from Olly Forster, Deer Park’s Head Gardener.
And then there’s a stunning six-seat garden set from Combe Garden Centre (RRP £2,799); two days of onsite help from The Pig at Combe’s Head Gardener and team plus a £250 voucher from MKM.
Other prizes include a foundation art course from Seasons Art Honiton valued at £400 which is designed to help budding artists find their confidence.
There’s also a Land Rover Experience worth £175 which offers the chance for 12-17 year olds to enjoy a challenging off road course in a brand new Defender.
And let’s not forget there are also live performances from Rock Choir and Cameron Lemmer!
Rock Choir at a previous Scone Off event
‘Operation Rudolph is a nonprofit organisation, and every penny goes towards helping local people, tackling food insecurity and loneliness in the East Devon community,’ explains Operation Rudolph’s Sharon Thorne.
‘The Scone Off is always such a wonderful fundraiser – last year we raised over £8,000 and distributed around 400 gifts for young people to open on Christmas Day.’
‘This year we are aiming even higher! So even if you can’t come, please do make an auction bid or buy a strip of raffle tickets.’
From baking scones and waiting tables to delivering meals, everyone involved gives their time voluntarily.
‘Big-hearted support we receive from local people’
‘We are always overwhelmed by the big-hearted support we receive from local people and businesses. Operation Rudolph really does put the sparkle back into Christmas for so many.’
Organisers are also producing a raffle for the upcoming event. Prizes include: a Waitrose hamper, a Fortnum & Mason Bellini Box and dumpy bags of logs from Tree Top Gardening.
And then there’s a Cross Pens ATX Brushed Ballpoint Pen worth £94 or a £50 voucher for the Bird’s Nest in Honiton. Another prize is breakfast for two at the Grazing Cow. Tickets are £10 a strip.
Donated presents at a previous Scone Off event
Bids can be placed in person at the Scone Off, or, for those unable to attend, by contacting Sharon: sharon.thorne@inspiring-connections.org
The Scone Off takes place on Sunday, November 16 from 3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Deer Park, Weston.
Tickets are free, but everyone attending is bringing an unwrapped gift worth around £15, suitable for children aged two to twelve or for teenagers.
All auction lots should be viewable on the Operation Rudolph website or on its social media prior to the event.
Breaktime News has previously reported on Scottish school children designing Christmas cards to help to reduce feelings of isolation in the community.
