It took a marathon three and half hours to get through 230 lots at the Grand Auction at Highlands College on Saturday night, with professional auctioneer Simon Drieu sharing the stage with radio presenter Peter Mac.
The biggest bid of the night was £11,200 paid for a Honda Civic, while an avid fan paid £1,150 for an all expenses trip to Old Trafford.
An equally fervent supporter paid £500 for a Celtic shirt signed by Henrik Larsson and a telephone bidder bagged a Gilbert O’Sullivan framed platinum disc for £500.
Joint organisers Ian and Julie Le Sueur, Carla Cortesi and Jo Moss were delighted with the outcome.
Mr Le Sueur said: ‘We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who donated lots to the auction, everyone who came along to bid or left absentee bids, Simon Drieu and Co auctioneers and Highlands College, especially Gordon de Gruchy.
‘We had initially hoped to raise a few hundred pounds towards the Jersey Asia Relief Appeal, we never thought we would raise in excess of £20,000.
We have been quite overwhelmed by the whole event and also proud to have played a small part in the collective community effort in Jersey.’ With the official appeal now drawn to a close, events co-ordinator Lee Madden has also added his thanks to everyone who has organised or supported a fund-raising activity in the last four weeks.
‘I’d like to say a heartfelt thanks to the community of Jersey who have supported the appeal and have given not only their money but their time and support.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the community spirit.
Thank you one and all.’ Although the official part of the appeal is now over, a number of fund-raising events have been organised in the coming weeks, the proceeds of which will still go to the British Red Cross.
The appeal’s bank account will remain open for the rest of the year.
