Aspire to Africa

The latest Aspire to Africa fundraiser was held on Wednesday 25th May.

Regards Restaurant in Sutton Coldfield was once again the location for the Aspire to Africa Curry Night.

The balmy summer evening attracted 130 people who helped raise £1,935.

Two local up and coming musicians kept the fundraising audience entertained with an array of acoustic cover before food was served. This was followed by a rib tickling half hour with Liverpool funny man John Evans.

 John then led the auction which raised a total £535. Items included a signed shirt from Olympic medal hopeful Louise Hazel, a Warwickshire shirt  signed by members of the 2012 squad, four tickets for the 3rd Test, a signed Steven Gerrard picture with authenticity and a four ball at The Warwickshire Golf Club courtesy of Towergate Insurance. A raffle ended the night off nicely.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone that attended. Your generosity totally blew us away!

We’d also like to thank our special guests and supporters:

- John Evans  

- Ian Taylor

- Molly and Erin for their amazing acoustic covers

- Towergate Insurance

- Regards restaurant for staging the event

- Everyone who donated auction and raffle prizes

Did you know that today is Africa Day?

Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), presently recognized as the African Union (AU). The African Union, comprised of 53 member states, has brought together the continent of Africa to collectively address the challenges it has faced, such as armed conflict, climate change, and poverty.

We'll be honest and say that we didn't know untill we stumbled across a great video on Twitter courtesy of See Africa Differently.

Take a look for yourself

With plans well under way for the Aspire to Africa 2012 trip, our attention turns to the next fundraising event.

May 23rd promises to be a spicy affair at Regards in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, with guests being treated to a tasty Indian feast at one of the best restaurants in the region.

Entertainment for the night will be provided by scouse funny man John Evans and two very talented young musicians from Bishop Walsh School. A raffle will be run throughout the night as well as an auction which includes a signed Wayne Rooney England shirt.

Event organiser, Sarah Evans said "Last year's event was a complete sell out and with ticket prices frozen at £20, we are expecting another very busy night. John Evans has been on the stand up comedy circuit for years and promises to be a big hit on the night. With some great raffle prizes and auction items I'm confident that we can raise more money than last year!"

To get your tickets for the Aspire to Africa Curry Night contact Paul Griffiths on 08455 08 27 34 or email paul@aspire-sports.co.uk.

For further news and updates on this event and everything to do with Aspire to Africa then visit our blog.

After the success of the Fun Run in 2011 the Aspire to Africa team have decided to do it again. We are aiming to get a team of 60 people to take part in this year’s Great Midlands Fun Run and are looking for willing volunteers. It’s a ‘fun’ event which means you can walk, jog or run. Rumours are that some of the team will be taking part with an African themed twist!

The Fun Run is taking part on Sunday 10^th June 2012 and begins at 11am.  Aspire Sports will pay your £17 entry fee, provide you with a t-shirt to run in and give you an invite to a BBQ event after. All we ask is that you raise a minimum of £60.

If you would like take part and help support Aspire to Africa then simply contact wendy.brown@aspire-sports.co.uk

With the Aspire to Africa 2012 Quiz Night just over two weeks away, the team have been busy planning for other events later on in the year. And here they are:

If you are interested in attending or helping out at any of our events then please contact the team on 08455 08 27 34 or email lewis.wilkes@aspire-sports.co.uk.

It's that time of year again to get out the text books and start revising because the Aspire to Africa Quiz is less than a month away. Tickets are now available priced at £5 per ticket with teams of 4 maximum. The Quiz is taking place at St Mary and St Johns Function room, Erdington and is kicking off at 7.30pm. Great prizes on offer so make sure you get your ticket early!! For tickets and information call 08455 08 27 34 or email info@aspire-sports.co.uk

After last night’s meeting we are pleased to announce the 2012 Quiz Night fundraiser has been finalised.

Details to be announced very soon!