After a wild summer roaming the streets of Norwich and Norfolk, the GoGoSafari sculptures have found their forever homes at a spectacular one-night-only charity art auction held at Saxon Air, Norwich. Hosted by ITV’s Becky Jago and Chris Page alongside celebrity auctioneer Natasha Raskin Sharp, the event saw around 200 guests in attendance with over 70 bidding online.
The evening began with a vibrant opening dance performance by the City College Norwich Dance Group, setting the scene for an exciting night of bidding. Guests enjoyed a sparkling reception, food served by Norfolk’s Edge surrounded by all 56 sculptures up grabs – each a one-of-a-kind creation by the UK’s most talented artists.
Bidding got off to a flying start with the vibrant Prideoscope, sponsored by Norwich BID, selling for an impressive £8,500. The excitement continued as Andy, a touching tribute to beloved local businessman and Mr Plastics MD, Andy Cole, raised £10,000. The stunning Gia La Giraffa Lampada, a giraffe transformed into a glamourous working lamp by the talented Sally Adams, illuminated the room as it fetched £10,500. Another of Sally Adams’ remarkable creations, circus elephant BoBo, achieved a fantastic £12,000, thanks in part to match funding from Wild in Art. Adding to the total, the MINI Collection, a unique set of five miniature sculptures representing each animal in the trail which were auctioned individually, collectively raised over £24,000 and ultimately ended up together!
The auction raised a total of £290,200 and all proceeds will go to Break, supporting their work with young people in, around and leaving care across East Anglia. This brings the total of money raised through the trail to over £380,000 all of which will go towards offering young people in care lifelong support and opportunities to build confidence and independence.
“The incredible generosity shown tonight will make a real difference for young people in and leaving care across East Anglia,” comments Break CEO Rached Cowdry. “This money will enable us to provide the stability, love and opportunities that every young person deserves. With the love and support that we give the young people as we walk alongside them, they are able to heal some of the hurt and grow into the best adults they can be. Thanks to everyone who took part tonight we can continue to ensure they feel safe, valued, and empowered to build bright futures.”
Ellie Edge, Break Partnerships Manager added: “It was an absolutely fantastic evening, and we’re so grateful to everyone who dug deep and helped us raise such a phenomenal amount. We’d like to thank everyone who played a part in making the evening a success including auction partners Mander Auctioneers and Production bureau, our auctioneer Natasha Raskin Sharp, and of course trail partners Wild in Art, Zoological Society of East Anglia, Norwich BID and Chantry Place; our talented artists, sculpture sponsors and volunteers, for making the night such a success.”