A Norfolk hotel is confident its 2018 fundraising events will help to surpass last years charity total.
The Thomas Paine Hotel in Thetford has been raising money for local charities and organisations through events, balls and talks, for the past five years.
So far the hotel is closing in on a total of £8,000, which has been split between numerous good causes.
Last year, £1,621 was raised, and hotel owner and executive director of Trust-House Leisure, Gez Chetal, has said they are hoping to exceed their 2018 target of £2,000.
“So far we have raised just short of £8,000,” said Mr Chetal. “I have been in this industry for many years and have had a lot of charity days when I was younger at other businesses.
“And now doing it in your own community is great. It is always good to help the local community and it is best for all of us.”
A dinner and quiz was held in January to celebrate the 150th birthday of Prince Frederick Duleep Singh.
The son of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last king of the Punjab, he grew up on the Elveden Estate and dedicated much of his life to preserving the heritage of Norfolk and Suffolk.
The event raised £146 which was donated to the town’s Ancient House Museum to help towards an exhibition dedicated to the prince.
In February the annual Thomas Paine birthday dinner was attended by more than 50th guests.
Started by Mr Chetal in 2013, the event raised £300, which has been presented to the museum’s display on Thetford’s most famous son.
A charity ball last month raised £1,000 which will be split between East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Thetford and District Dementia Support. Guests included ex Eastenders stars Ricky Groves, who played Gary Hobbs, and Cliff Parisi, known for playing Minty Peterson.
The two will be back for another charity event at the hotel due to be held on October 19. They will be joined by an Adele tribute singer.
Mr Chetal is also organising a Norfolk Day celebration.
Produce and drink from the county will be celebrated at the barbecue and beer festival held on Friday, July 27.
This will be the first Norfolk Day, which is backed by the EDP, Norwich Evening News and BBC Radio Norfolk to provide an opportunity to shout about the county.
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