A 65th birthday, a 30-year business milestone; and an OBE in recognition of his services to business and charity all paved the way for a lavish celebration for John Athwal OBE of Premier Decorations Ltd in June, raising more than £20,000 for his favourite Fence Club charity to help sick and disadvantaged children.
John, who is a well-known figure in the toy and gift industry took the opportunity to mark 2018 as a momentous year with a gala event at the Dorchester in London attended by 450 guests including industry stalwarts, family and friends.
Renowned for his outstanding hospitality, John’s latest celebration was no exception with 100 children from a stage school opening the ball, followed by a night of dancing to the Jersey Boys and Bollywood actress and singer Sophie Chaudry, who was flown in from Bombay to perform for his guests.
However, whilst festivities were high on the agenda, John also used the event to raise much needed money for charity. He requested that rather than gifts for himself, that guests make donations to The Fence Club – a charity supporting children’s hospices, homes and hospitals as well as disadvantaged children, for which John is the treasurer.
John comments: “2018 has been an amazing year for myself and Premier Decorations which celebrates 30 successful business years; and I extend grateful thanks to all of my industry colleagues and peers, and family and friends for sharing this special occasion with me. I would especially like to thank everyone for their incredibly generous donations to The Fence Club. £20,000 is a huge amount and we are still receiving cheques and cash in our office as well as online at www.justgiving.com/fenceclub.
