GLITZ, glamour and golf came to south Essex to help raise money for the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Led by the late singer’s father Mitch, the fundraising event was held at Stock Brook Manor, Billericay, to raise funds to help vulnerable children.
Celebrities including Ray Winstone and Barbara Windsor and businesswoman and model Jordan came to the course, where a golf tournament was held before a gala three-course meal with a charity auction.
Mitch, a well-established singer himself, gave a performance for the diners, alongside a set from his daughter’s backing group.
Following Amy’s tragic death at the age of 27 last July, Mitch set up the foundation to help youngsters in trouble, whether it is for drink or drugs.
It was the first charity event organised by the foundation and was supported by many guests, including bosses from leading south Essex company Choice, which has stores in Hadleigh and Basildon.
Mitch said: “I performed here just two days before Amy passed away. It was a gig for Little Havens Children’s Hospice and the children who are given care there are some of the people we want to help out through the foundation.
“During these economically tough times, it is the groups who look after the vulnerable who get hardest hit.
“Last year, Little Havens only got ten per cent of the money they needed to run their operations from the Government. The rest they have to find from donations from businesses or the public.
“Since the foundation was founded in September, we have already raised £250,000, with the hope of going to half-a-million by our first birthday.”
With 180 guests at the event, Mitch, who is now a patron of Little Havens having helped raise £82,000, with £10,000 coming from his own pocket, said the event went brilliantly.
Mitch said: “It has been a great day. I can see ourselves coming back here on an annual basis.”
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