Manager, Angie Cornall and the staff of Coffee#1 in Wellington all volunteered to put in extra hours to make a recent Ladies’ Night a huge success – and raised £950 in the process. Nearly 70 ladies turned out for an evening of pampering for a very good cause – the Somerset Community Foundation Flood Relief Fund.
This event was Angie’s idea and she persuaded more than 20 professionals from local businesses to offer their services – free – for one night. She explained: “I had such a positive response when I asked people to contribute their skills and time to make the evening a success. Kamyko Hairdressers sent 4 stylists; we had 3 masseurs from Cleeve Country Club, 2 reiko therapists and a couple of beauticians. We had spiritual readings, henna tattooing, aloa vera massage, aromatherapy – and a cake sale. All 7 of my staff gave up their evening to support the event and we all had an amazing time.”
Angie has been Manager of Coffee#1 since it opened in June 2012, having lived in Wellington for 7 years. She said, “I love this town! I couldn’t have done this anywhere else. We all had a wonderful evening.” Asked whether she has any plans for more charity events she said, “I have an idea for something over Easter but it’s not yet finalised so watch this space!”
Somerset Community Foundation works with agencies on the front line to give financial assistance to flooded households and small businesses on the Somerset Levels. More than 150 homes have been flooded or evacuated since before the New Year. In some communities the evacuation was at short notice, leaving households little time to leave.
Over £760,000 has been donated to the Fund by individuals, local businesses, charitable trusts and community groups from organised fundraising events. The Foundation’s target is £1m to support victims over the next 2-3 years.