Did you know that there is a genuine word for the phobia of having peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth? Well now you do! Arachibutyrophobia: a fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of one’s mouth. Not something we’ve ever been too worried about!
Hollywood icons galore, Lady Liberty and all things stars and stripes were out in force to raise £55,000 for Parkinson’s UK at Mere Country Club and Spa, for Duerr’s Annual Charity Ball.
The UK’s oldest family owned peanut butter and preserve producers are renowned for their annual soirée with once in a lifetime auction prizes, and this year’s States inspired ‘jAmerican’ theme was no exception. Elvis and Liberace took selfies with Madonna, whilst Uncle Sam drank at the bar with Captain America and Britney Spears danced the night away with Tom Cruise, all to raise money for a cause close to the Company’s heart.
Guests were welcomed with a ‘buckaroo fizz’ and feasted on a US-style three course meal before digging deep for the main auction where prizes included tickets to the X Factor Live Final; a luxurious yacht cruise and – the ultimate prize for aspiring crooners – a duet with ‘Neil Diamond’.
The money raised will go towards vital research to find new and better treatments for people living with Parkinson’s with the ultimate aim of finding a cure. Parkinson’s UK also works to improve the lives of everyone affected by the condition through information and support.
Mark Duerr, Managing Director of F. Duerr and Sons comments: “This year’s ball was loud, brash and full of ‘States’, perfectly fitting of its ‘jAmerican’ theme!
“We all had a great time, but more importantly, we raised an incredible amount of money for a deserving cause.”
Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, comments: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Duerr’s for raising such a fantastic amount for the charity. It sounds like everyone really got into the spirit of the evening.
“As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever, however, our work is totally dependent on donations, so we are incredibly grateful to Duerr’s for their support.”