In 2024 we will be supporting The Malcolm Gunter Foundation
In 2018 Malcolm Gunter passed away from Motor Neurone Disease.
In his memory, MGF has raised over £200,000 and provided support and grants for many local people living with and affected by MND.
Many of you will have known Malcolm, and maybe also his wife Penny and daughter Lottie, and many of you will have come across Malcolm during his long career in property.
Following his diagnosis Malcolm and his family approached their situation with great bravery and fortitude, but inevitably as the condition developed their circumstances and needs changed. Through the Foundation we are seeking to also assist and support others in a similar situation, and fund further research into MND. The Foundation will now continue in Malcolm’s memory.
100% of all monies raised will be utilised in supporting sufferers of MND with their physical and emotional needs, and research into the disease .
We are honoured to be supporting MGF as the Hollis Morgan Charity of the Year for 2024 – for more information click here
In 2023 we will be supporting Spear Bristol
Spear Bristol was set up in January 2022, following in the footsteps of several other Spear centres around the country.
Spear Bristol works with 16 - 24 year olds who, for a variety of reasons, struggle to find and then stay in employment and further education.
During intensive 6 week programmes, run by our three full time coaches, our young people are taught a range employment getting skills, such as organisation, presentation, time keeping, mock interviews and cv preparation. Also and arguably more importantly, our coaches look to address the underlying reasons our young people struggle, typically, but not exclusively, to include anxiety, depression and low self worth and also seek to equip them with coping mechanisms to build confidence and resilience.
After their 6 weeks training all our young people are offered a further 12 months of contact and support.
With your help Spear Bristol will be working with some 100 young Bristol people this year - over 75% of Spear graduates are in employment 12 months after finishing their training courses.
We are delighted that you are supporting Spear Bristol this year and can assure you that all monies raised are much needed and gratefully received.
In 2022 we supported Bristol charity Gympanzees
Since becoming a property auctioneer many years ago I have found myself being increasingly asked to take charity auctions at social events. At first I regarded these as a chore and reluctantly acquiesced to these many requests. Surprisingly, far from finding these a burden, au contraire, it gave me an insight into another world and made me realise how many people desperately need help and support in so many ways. What was encouraging and also extremely humbling for me was to meet a plethora of wonderful people who have dedicated their spare time and sometimes their entire lives to making these charities viable. I have no doubt that the British people are amongst the most generous and socially concerned nations in the world. Even as a relatively small firm, therefore, we have annually tried to support a particular charity and I have always made myself available, at no cost, to appear at social events to take a charity auction. They do seem to raise money in a relatively short space of time and can be fun. It was a great pleasure, therefore, to support Gympanzees during 2022. This marvellous charity supports children from 0 to 25 yrs who are suffering with sensory, physical and learning difficulties. Unbelievably there are 66,000 children within one hour of Bristol who are in need of help and 77% of them cannot access regular leisure facilities, so cannot play, exercise or socialise in the same way as their peers. The pleasure when they can join in is a joy to behold. I took and auction at a glittering Gala evening during the year with just proved what I have said above. Generous people, having fun and practically showing their concern for others in a positive and enjoyable way. It will add to my pleasure to be able to hand over the annual Hollis Morgan cheque to help support their work.
During 2023 we are going to support SPEAR which will work with over 90 young people across the city every year and support them into sustainable work or education. At their core they believe young people have great potential. Our role as their coach is to equip and empower young people to recognise this and overcome barriers in their lives. In terms of their support, we work with 16-24 year olds who are not in education, employment and training. They will support each young person for one year, starting with an initial six week programme where each young person will be given the resources that they need for work including CV’s, Cover Letters, Interview practice and application support, as well as the skills they need including, confidence, motivation, resilience and communication skills.
If you would like to know more about this fantastic cause please visit their website
ANDREW MORGAN MBE
In 2021 we supported Bristol charity 1625 Independent People
The second year of the Covid presented a challenge for us. Although we were able to keep our business going and all the staff employed, nevertheless, working individually from home or in very small groups in the office had a deleterious effect on us all and one realised just how important people contact is not only in the workplace but in our social lives as well. As a predominantly people based business we were all so aware of this void in our lives but it also made us extremely aware of the needs of others who, frequently through no fault of their own, even in normal times, do not enjoy any of the comforts and privileges that we take for granted in our daily lives. For this reason we were delighted that 1625 Independent People was our charity for 2021, helping to alleviate homelessness, keeping young people safe and supporting them. Despite not being able to organise any fund raising events, we were all determined to make a meaningful contribution and managed to donate £6,500 from our own funds raised at our online property auctions.
Once again, my usual calendar of annual Fundraising events was completely devasted and all those fun evenings of dinners and balls, lunches and other occasions with Charity Auctions were all cancelled. One can only imagine the difficulties so many charities are facing to maintain their services with a much reduced income. Undaunted however, I gather they all have plans in place and I will be, as usual, ready with my gavel when the phone call comes!
ANDREW MORGAN MBE
Whether you are planning a glamourous Black Tie event, or something simpler in a hall or school, please ask about our FREE Charity Service contact: Andrew Morgan MBE on 0117 973 6565.
2020 – Charity Review
Andrew Morgan MBE reports on a memorable year… for all the wrong reasons.
When I attended a drinks party for “All Aboard” on an idyllic sunny evening in late 2019 and saw people enjoying sailing in Bristol Docks and learned more of the work of this relatively unknown Charity none of us could have foreseen what a devastating year 2020 would turn out to be for us all and especially for the charity sector which relies so heavily on fund raising and donations. “All Aboard” aim is to provide water-based activities to everyone, especially those facing challenging circumstances, those with access needs or disabilities, people on low incomes and people with dementia. It is so rewarding to see the pleasure and sense of achievement on the faces of those people using these facilities, consequently, we were delighted to adopt them as the Hollis Morgan Charity for the year. For obvious reasons we were unable to organise any fundraising events but dedicated ourselves during this difficult time, not only to keep our firm prosperous and our own staff fully employed, but also to be able to make an end of year donation of £5,000 to “All Aboard” from our Buyer’s Premiums. I am pleased to say we successfully achieved this.
All my normal fixed charitable events were postponed until 2021 which was a great disappointment as I always look forward to these regular events in the annual calendar such as the feverishly exciting RWA secret postcard auction, the glamorous Ladies Long Table Lunch held at Penny Brohn, The festive Bristol Zoo’s Gala evening as well as many others. 2021 is already promising to be a very busy year as we all work to help to re-build the charitable sector.
It always leaves me humbled when I see the dedication of so many people working with charities and it is a great pleasure to be able support them by offering our free service as charity auctioneers at their fund raising events.
2019 – Charity Review
Andrew Morgan MBE reports on a memorable year of raising substantial funds for many Bristol Charities.
The Hollis Morgan Charity of the year was The Bear Wood Project at The Wild Place for Bristol Zoo. This project achieved international acclaim for creating a huge natural habitat for the bears and raised walkways for the public to enjoy them in a relaxed way. It was a huge privilege to support the zoo in this fabulous conservation project and to learn more of their conservation projects around the world. As usual, our annual ”Opera Picnic” held in the church and gardens of All Saints gave us a good opportunity to entertain our families, clients and friends and the Zoo Team were able to rise nearly £8,000 from the collection on that occasion as guests enjoyed the hot weather, delicious supper and singing all accompanied by the liberal pouring of Fizz!! Later in the year our Charity Auction at their glittering Christmas Gala raised a similar amount. One of the heart-warming Lots bid for on that evening was the opportunity to be a Zoo sponsor which enables many underprivileged people to visit the zoo - the bidding for this lot reached an amazingly generous £4,000.
One of the highlights of the year was a memorable evening at a Gala Dinner to celebrate CIMA’S 100th Anniversary held under the wings of the last Concord to fly into Bristol I had the honour of sitting next to the pilot of that flight, Captain Les Brodie who was able to tell me of all the famous characters he had met over his distinguished career, from The Princess of Wales to Joan Collins and many, many others.
The Secret Postcard Auction at the RWA in the Spring provides the audience with a unique evening in which to test their artistic knowledge when famous artists and local artists work comes anonymously under the hammer. This always seems to take place on a very hot evening and proves the need for the improvement of the building and the installation of air conditioning! “It is such a privilege to be involved in this event as Bristol is so fortunate to have such an institution in the heart of the city and it is an evening of frenetic fun” says Andrew.
Another annual fixture is the Ladies Long Table Lunch at Penny Brohn when I am invited, as the only man, into the glamorous flower decked marquee at their headquarters at Pill for their traditional lunch. The Ladies are always extremely generous and one lucky bidder ended up with a holiday in the West Indies.
Attending between twelve and twenty charity auctions a year and I am always greatly impressed with the dedicated effort so many people make in order to make these charitable events successful and by the generosity of the people who attend them.
2018 – Charity Review
Andrew Morgan MBE reports on a memorable year of raising substantial funds for many Bristol Charities.
The Hollis Morgan Charity of the year was Off The Record. OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Working with their dedicated team was an absolute pleasure and we were astounded by how many people had benefitted from their valuable services. Our annual ”Opera Picnic” held in the church and gardens of All Saints Clifton, as usual, gave us a good opportunity to entertain our families, clients and friends and OTR were able to raise an amazing £5,000 on that occasion as guests enjoyed the hot weather, delicious supper and singing all accompanied by the liberal pouring of Fizz and wine !! At the end of the year we were able to match this amount to raise the total sum to £10,000 for the year.
One of the highlights of the year was a glittering evening at Badminton school to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of St Peters Hospice. Wonderfully hosted by Joanna Lumley in a magnificent marquee, the evening was a truly emotional experience culminating in an hilarious auction with Andrew and Joanna doing a double act to raise much needed funds. A bottle of champagne signed by Joanna was sold for £2,500 which also included a passionate kiss for the lucky purchaser ! This was indeed a celebration to remember !
The Secret Postcard Auction at the RWA provides the audience with a unique evening in which to test their artistic knowledge when famous artists and local artists work comes anonymously under the hammer. This always seems to take place on a very hot evening and proves the need for the improvement of the building and the installation of air conditioning! “It is such a privilege to be involved in this event as Bristol is so fortunate to have such an institution in the heart of the city and it is an evening of frenetic fun” says Andrew.
2017 – Charity Review
Andrew Morgan MBE and his charitable team have had another fantastically busy taking charitable auctions on a number of memorable occasions raising substantial sums for many Bristol charities. Our own event, the Annual "Opera Picnic" in the iconic setting of All Saints, where 400 clients, family and friends come for a party with a difference, "A Summer Evening of Opera Highlights" and is now a well established fixture of the Bristol Social scene!
This year it has also been a privilege to work with many famous personalities including Sir Tim Rice, Wayne Sleep and Patricia Routledge, Raymond Blanc and Professor Alice Roberts for charities as varied Bristol Zoo to The Ghurkha Welfare Trust, Penny Brohn, St Peters Hospice to Gloucestershire Cricket Club.
Andrew Morgan MBE says " Charity auctions are huge fun and I get asked to offer some extraordinary prizes from African holidays to the opportunity to name a baby bear for Bristol Zoo's Bearwood project! Celebrating the 800th Anniversary of The Role of Lord Mayor of Bristol involved a glittering evening and a Banquet of Food through the Ages under the aegis of Raymond Blanc - an event I had no difficulty in attending !!
We were delighted to support our 2017 Charity of the year "Life for a Cure" helping Ryan's mother raise £30,000 through a combination of 3 events. Ryan died of Meningitis B very suddenly - read all about this touching and inspirational story and make a donation www.ryanbresnahan.org
Charity Archive
2021 – 1625 Independent People
2020 – All Aboard
2019 – Bear Wood Appeal
2018 – “Off The Record” Bristol
2017 – A Life for a Cure – Meningitis Appeal
2016 – Barton Camp - Bristol Children’s Help Society
2015 – Dance Voice
2014 – Penny Brohn Cancer Care
2013 - St Peter’s Hospice
ANNUAL OPERA PICNIC
To all those who support us as clients or by helping us with charities we say a big thankyou by inviting them to our free annual summer party at All Saints for an evening of celebration, music, wine and a delicious supper- click here to find out more Click Here
Whether you are planning a glamorous black tie event or something simpler in a hall or school please ask about our FREE Charity Service.
ANDREW MORGAN MBE
01179 736565
andrew@hollismorgan.co.uk