On Thursday 24 November 2016, Sopwell House in St Albans presented a staggering £72,100 cheque to its local St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust. The official cheque presentation ceremony took place at Sopwell House, where several local dignitaries were in attendance.
The funds raised will no doubt help the charity enormously in its quest to support the creation of a new museum and art gallery in St Albans’ city centre. Located in the restored Grade II* listed Town Hall, this exciting new development will showcase contemporary art, heritage and learning for all ages.
The cheque presentation follows a hugely successful charitable evening, in celebration of the hotel’s Pearl Anniversary, held on Thursday 29 September 2016. On the Pearl Anniversary night, an indulgent black-tie charity dinner took place, followed by a silent auction and live auction. The milestone event was organised by Abraham Bejerano, who is celebrating 30 overwhelmingly successful years ownership of the hotel.
Abraham Bejerano said: “It was our absolute pleasure to associate Sopwell House’s success over the last 30 years by holding this event to help support our local community. This could not be a nicer project to build a home for heritage in St Albans with the creation of The St Albans Museum and Art Gallery. We are proud and privileged to have been able to help raise this vast amount of money for what will be the jewel of St Albans City”.
Councillor Annie Brewster, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Leisure and Heritage for St Albans City and District Council and Trustee of the St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust, thanked all the guests and sponsors for supporting the 30th Pearl Anniversary Dinner. She said: “Abraham Bejerano could not be a bigger, louder champion for the City and District’s ambitious new St Albans Museum and Art Gallery project. The amount raised of £72,100 is astonishing and is a tremendous boost to our fundraising appeal.”
Mike Gray, Chairman of the St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust, said: “We were delighted that Sopwell House, a prominent local business, chose to support us. It was extremely generous of them to share their special celebration combining it with a fundraising gala for the new museum and gallery project.”
Sopwell House is an enchanting country estate located in the picturesque city of St Albans, a 20 minute train ride from London’s St Pancras. The hotel is a convenient hour’s drive from London and boasts 12-acres of beautiful gardens, a collection of newly launched Mews Suites, two restaurants, an elegant cocktail lounge, a glass fronted conservatory bar, a large pool and spa, 15 adaptable meeting rooms, plus five ground-floor banqueting rooms and 128 stylish guestrooms.