Verve Rally Charity Gala Ball 2019 | Event Film

Verve Rally took a detour from our day-to-day job curating supercar adventures across Europe, for those who love speed and luxury. This sold-out, 150 person black-tie Charity Gala Ball held on Friday 22nd November at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane in Mayfair, was organised by Darshana Ubl the cofounder of Verve Rally, to raise much-needed funds for a cause close to Ubl’s heart; Make-A-Wish UK®, which offers bucket-list experiences for young people with life-threatening conditions.
For the third year running, Darshana Ubl has hosted the charity event in aid of Make-A-Wish UK®. This year, Verve Rally participants, UK business leaders, influencers, and political heads were joined by ‘Miss Ballooniverse’, featured on The Apprentice, to decorate our esteemed guests with delicate and beautiful light-up fascinators, flower corsages and the occasional monkey curled around a tuxedo arm.
The VIP drinks reception was adorned with the glittering jewellery display of Geraldo Jewellery, the beautiful and inspiring Artwork of Leyden Gallery and the elegant work of private tailoring service Serena Sartorial.
The evening’s entertainment began with a remarkable Regal Ballet performance of 5-8yo dancers whose talent and poise, along with their pink outfits, fit seamlessly in the elegance of the Sheraton Grand Ballroom.
Followed by Miroslav Sekula’s fantastically impressive street dance performance to the gasps and awe of guests, as he threw himself into the music.
Fitting for the 1920s themed ballroom was a gourmet three-course meal and a selection of exclusive and exceptional live and silent auction lots.
Guests were then graced by the velvet tones of high-baritone rising star James Schouten, who gave us a sultry rendition of Can’t Take My Eyes of You, and we couldn’t! James brought the boogie with his performance of Sway which had so many of our guests out of their seats and showing off their samba vibes. And almost too soon, closing his set with a profoundly moving performance of Nessum Dorma.
Beloved auctioneer Jamie Breese, known for his role on BBC2’s The Antiques Show, made a welcome return at the 2019 edition of the Gala Ball. He entertained whilst raising funds for the charity auctioning some incredible items and experiences, including Penhaligon’s Lord George, a one week stay at a luxurious 6-bedroom contemporary chalet in the Swiss Alps, a three-course dinner with Champagne at Home House Members Club for four, a two night stay at a 5* Belmond hotel in Tuscany with breakfast for two, bespoke lingerie by Benveniste Couture, a signed Anthony Joshua glove and a limited edition framed pop art silkscreen print of Steve McQueen.
Blackjack and Roulette tables sponsored by the Barracuda Club kept people feeling lucky throughout the night. Columbian sensation Anjelica Lopez continued the evening’s musical delights, with the moving beauty of her voice and brought guests together to shake their hips on the dance floor. That dance floor kept going and growing as DJ Markus spun some dance-floor filling tracks before guests headed off for the After Party at the Barracuda Club.Congratulations to Linsday Moran, awarded Best Dressed Man sponsored by The Barracuda Club. In a room full of glamorous dresses, Hedoine’s pick for Best Dressed Woman brought on to stage a beautiful group of ladies, awarding the Best Dressed prize to the sparkling Julia Hope.
This event was proudly sponsored by WEALD Wealth Management, Barracuda Club, Home House and other partners.