The annual Save My Life charity fundraiser took place at Benidorm Palace yesterday and was a triumph before the doors even opened, with queues forming outside well before noon. As always, the event was organised by Dona Sandland, a volunteer at the Benidorm dog shelter and was only possible thanks to the continued support of Christine Climent, owner of the palace who offers the venue free of charge.
This year there were 2 incredible hosts – Mark Ellis aka Ruby Rox and Paul Thacker, sound technician/DJ at Rockerfellas who was transformed for a number to become Ruby Rox junior thanks to the creative genius of James McDonald. Their double act imitating Barbara Dickson and Elaine Paige singing I Know Him So Well went down an absolute storm!
The fundraiser is predominantly in aid of the Benidorm Dog Shelter and Manos y Patas, a local voluntary group whose aim is to protect animals. The money raised during this marathon charity day will be used to better the lives of the dogs in the shelter, by improving the conditions in which they live until hopefully one day, they find their forever home.
There was a variety of local Benidorm acts who delighted the audience with an afternoon of wall-to-wall entertainment – Heidi G, Ben Alexander as Neil Diamond, father and son duo Matt and Max Fisher – that 12 year old is going places, Soul Magic, Meatloaf and Benidorm Fantastics.
There wre also 4 acts from the palace itself – David Climent with his lazer show, Duo Diamante – a contortionist act, Sharon Moneey - performing inside a glass ball and Mag Malastruc – magic with shadows. A huge debt of thanks to them all for performing for free!
A team of volunteers walked around the tables, shaking their buckets, selling raffle tickets for the chance to win an array of fantastic prizes all donated by generous local business, for which the organisers are truly grateful.
Ruby held an auction for some of the big star prizes such as a custom made dog bed - won by Ellen Dalton who bid €260 for her Pomeranian puppy called Lola to enjoy, 4 tickets for Benidorm Palace, a weeks villa rental in Benidorm among others. They are hoping to beat last years total, which was around €14,000!
