An auction of artwork donated by local artists helped to raise over £3,000 for Brightlingsea-based charity Porridge and Pens Ghana.
The artworks were auctioned during the charity’s Spring Ball held in Colchester gallery Firstsite, which saw guests wined and dined and entertained with music and magic.
Artworks included a hand-decorated ceramic bowl by Julian Gallehawk Ceramics, pyrographed wooden pieces by Clacton enthusiast,Bob Sangwell, and two pen and ink images from Thorrington-based artist, Peter Porteous-Butler, one of which alone raised £200 after a bidding war between art-loving guests.
Porridge and Pens Ghana was started in 2016 by Brightlingsea resident, Jemma Williams, after she visited Ghana and saw the need for free schooling and nutrition for children in the city of Kumasi. Early local fundraising provided capital to build a school for just 30 children.
Since then, through continued events and sponsorship, the school now provides two meals and education for over 300 children as well as continued support for school leavers through its Girl Power Project and Brighter Futures. It also helps pupil’s parents to become self-sufficient through a newly-launched Business Start-Up Project.
Some of the funds raised during the event will go towards providing life-saving treatment for a young girl in Ghana who needs funding for twice-weekly dialysis treatment.
For more information on the charity or to make a donation, visit www.porridgeandpens.org.
