Born Free – 40th Anniversary Ball
In her role as patron, Anna-Louise was honoured to be invited to join the Born Free Foundation in celebrating 40 years of action for wildlife at a magnificent, star-studded fundraising gala which was held during the very week of their 40th anniversary. The event was called Footsteps to Freedom, symbolising the path Born Free have already trodden, as well as the many steps they still have to take in their ongoing fight for the welfare and conservation of wild animals.
250 guests, both familiar faces and supporters new to Born Free, arrived at London’s beautiful Royal Lancaster’s Westbourne Suite. As the champagne started to flow, guests were soon joined by the VIP patrons. It was of course Absolutely Fabulous to see Born Free’s Founder Patron, Dame Joanna Lumley, at the gala. Joanna has supported the charity since the day they were founded 40 years ago, right up to voicing their award winning Enough is Enough animation at the end of last year. Appropriately during the event, Joanna also produced a bottle of champagne on stage and offered to sign it, in gold, to whoever bid the most. A bidding war erupted and in the end TWO bottles were signed by Joanna for an astonishing £1,900 each.
Actress, broadcaster and Patron Amanda Holden was the amazing host alongside with actor and conservationist Dan Richardson. The audience was captivated by an astounding ‘Jungle Book’ themed performance from the West End Kids and a heartbreakingly emotional rendition of the song ‘Born Free’ by singing star Kerry Ellis.
The inimitable Dame Virginia McKenna the Co-Founder of the charity and now a Born Free Trustee gave an emotional and spirited speech reminding guests of the story of Pole Pole, the young
elephant wild-caught in Kenya, whose untimely death at London Zoo in 1983 was the kickstart for “our little charity, Zoo Check”. Her words brought everyone to tears as she received a standing ovation. This was followed by a passionate speech by Executive President and Co-Founder, Will Travers OBE, detailing of some of the many achievements Born Free has made over the past 40 years, and the many more they have their sights set on for the next 40. All this whilst the guests were enjoying a sumptuous three-course vegetarian feast, along with wine and champagne! Other Celebrity Guests, included sports legend Sally Gunnell OBE and model and personality Jodie Kidd pictured above with Anna-Louise, who jokingly commented that it was ‘unwise to snap a selfie with an actual supermodel!’ The evening concluded with an auction hosted by patron and BBC auctioneer James Lewis.
The evening was a wonderful reminder of the impactful and important work carried out by the Born Free Foundation, and also raised a huge amount of money that will enable them to continue in their mission for all wild animals to be treated with compassion and respect – and most importantly, to be born free and live free. 11