Fundraising is never easy, yet is an essential element of festivals and events. However, having a bit of fun and by involving the local community, they can be very rewarding! This year we decided to hold a Race Night in Veldons’ Seafarer Bar and Restaurant in Letterfrack on June 16th. The format was relatively simple – pre-recorded horse races shown on a screen on which patrons placed their bets (€2 per ticket!). The tote (the total of monies bet) was then split between the race winners and Conamara Sea Week. To add to the drama, there were 2 auctioned races, where the winning horse owner received 50% of the auction income. We also held a raffle with some brilliant prizes! The night was a great success.
A significant part of the fundraising element happened before the event, as each race had a sponsor and fabulous prize. That is where local business came to the fore, and we had really generous support from our business community. The Race Night helped up to promote Sea Week and raise valuable funds to support this year’s festival – €2,730 in total! This money will facilitate us in arranging an exciting and accessible festival schedule for the local community.
Pat Fiddler did a superb job as MC and race commentator! We also had huge support from Brendan Ridge and Joachim Lydon so a big thank you to them! The Veldon’s team were also so accommodating and provided food on the night. Finally, thank you to everyone who showed up, supported Conamara Sea Week and made the night such a success and fun event!
Don’t forget, the 40th Conamara Sea week will run from October 21 to 28. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!
We would like to acknowledge the following businesses for their support as race and prize sponsors:
Kylemore Pass Hotel – Clifden Pharmacy – Guys Bar – Adrian Krone Driver Training – Woodfield Hotel – Rogans’ of Renvyle – Moran Electrical – Ballinahinch Hotel – Solar Home – Off the Square – Aster Environmental – Station House Hotel – Kylemore Abbey – Veldon’s Seafarer Bar and Restaurant – Inagh Valley Lodge – Interface Inagh
Thanks to the following companies who donated very generous prizes for our raffle:
Scuba Dive West – Killary Adventure Centre -So Doh! Artisan Bakery – Hungry Hiker Café – Martin Casey Windows & Doors – Artist Tara Walsh – Youthreach – Books @ One – Connemara National Park – The Diamond Hair Studio – Connemara Golf Club – Stanleys Clifden – Galway County Council Biodiversity Office – Kabo Coffee
