A WEEKLY social club for disabled adults has secured £1,850 in community funding after winning the latest Mossley SOUP crowdfunding event.
More than 140 people packed into Emmaus Mossley for the popular event, where diners paid £5 for soup, entertainment and the chance to vote for a local project they wanted to support.
Four organisations pitched their ideas to the audience during the evening’s four-minute presentations. They included Crafty Kidz Mossley, Hilary Harry and Friends Wildlife Rescue, Mossley Monday Club and St John’s Beginner Band.
After the presentations on Thursday, June 18, the audience cast their votes before Mossley Monday Club was announced as the winner, taking home £1,850 to support its activities.
The club, which meets weekly at Mossley AFC, provides social opportunities for disabled adults and plans to use the funding to introduce new experiences for its members.
Volunteer Michelle Phillips, who delivered the winning presentation, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support at Mossley SOUP. We cannot thank everyone enough.
“To present there was a little nerve wracking but the Mossley SOUP volunteers were very supportive and the audience were all so friendly and kind.
“Winning at this event really means a lot to the Monday Club as it will give our members a chance to learn a new skill and be part of a community. Alongside this we can now guarantee a pantomime event at Christmas, providing a fully inclusive evening of entertainment.”
The total raised came through donations on the door, a fundraising raffle and contributions from Mossley Town Council, Emmaus Mossley and Anthony Barton Independent Family Funeral Service. The three runners-up each received £100 towards their projects from Emmaus Mossley’s Solidarity Committee.
Guests were served a choice of four homemade soups prepared by local volunteers Danny, Darren and Jiri, while bread was donated by Tesco Greenfield and cakes were supplied by attendees. Local businesses and organisations also donated prizes for the evening’s raffle.
Michelle believes other community groups should consider taking part in future events.
She added: “I can only urge other community groups to apply, not only for the chance of much needed funding but a chance to meet other groups who are as passionate for their cause as I am. I met some lovely people at this event who have come forward to support us further. Again, thank you on behalf of all our members.”
Mossley SOUP is now inviting community groups with a connection to the town to apply to present at its next crowdfunding event, which is due to take place on Thursday, October 22.
Visit http://bit.ly/MossleySOUP to find out more and submit a short application to present.