It’s been a week since the pinnacle fundraising event of the year – our wonderful Wildlife Ball! This year’s event was completely sold out, making this celebration of all our work, and especially our 40^th anniversary, even more special. Here’s our highlights from the night.

A Reception to Revel In

As guests arrived at the ballroom entrance on Park Lane, they were greeted with a sparkling champagne reception and canapés. We’re incredibly grateful for the ‘roaring’ trade we saw as guests signed up for our wonderful adoptions and visited our art and trading tables to nab some handy early Christmas gifts (including cards) – whether for others or just themselves!

It was also an opportunity to preview the stunning selection of lots up for grabs in our silent auction, whilst casually spotting any celebrities among the crowd.

And Here’s Your Host

David Oakes has represented DSWF as a Conservation Ambassador since March 2023. His commitment and passion have made him a prominent voice in many of our appeals and campaigns, and bridled with his natural charm and charisma, he wowed us all as our host on the night. Known for his work on stage and screen, David is also a dedicated and highly knowledgeable conservationist, podcast host, and activist. We would like to thank David for his continued support and playing such a prominent part in this year’s Wildlife Ball.

Food for Thought

Our dinner guests were treated to the delectable delights of a menu conceived by Martyn Nail, Culinary Director, and Michael Kwan, Executive Pastry Chef at The Dorchester. With a starter of wild mushroom cannelloni, a roast butternut squash Wellington with exquisite veggie sides as main course, and The Dorchester’s signature chocolate mousse, as well as coffee and petit fours – we think The Dorchester outdid themselves this year and we’ve had glowing feedback about the food.

We know that a plant-based or vegetarian menu can sometimes cause a raised eyebrow or two with some of our supporters and guests. However, as a conservation charity focusing on wildlife, we feel it’s important to endorse food that is kinder to the environment and the best for animal welfare – with plant based usually being the most conclusive way to do so. And, in the hands of the skilled team at The Dorchester, we can assure you your taste buds will never complain!

That’s Entertainment!

As guests mingled in the Silver and Gold Rooms adjoining The Dorchester’s ballroom, the first of a trio of musical acts during the evening revealed themselves in show-stopping style, with a medley of tunes representing the best of Broadway and the West End. The GSA Singers are a cohort of second-year students from the Guildford School of Acting’s BA and MFA courses. Their programme of musical theatre numbers and popular classics then made their way to the main stage too.

The unique sound of South Africa’s The Joy wowed the crowd next, bringing the trademark a cappella singing that’s a strong part of Zulu heritage and cultural identity to London. It immediately became apparent why the likes of Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson had declared themselves fans of the humble group, made up of five close friends from the township of Hammarsdale. A serendipitous meeting in a school choir practice, where their early arrival led to a spontaneous jam, has led to appearances at Glastonbury, with Jools Holland, and now, the Wildlife Ball!

Our evening was rounded off with some classic rock and pop from Barcoda Party Band, who were highly persuasive in encouraging everyone to don their dancing shoes for the final part of the evening. Made up of artists who have performed with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Suzi Quattro, their charisma proved more than enough to fill the floor and raise the roof, whilst we raised funds.

Here to do Your Bidding

One of the most anticipated aspects of the night is always what amazing money-can’t-buy experiences and more is up for grabs in our silent auction. Things can get very competitive on the night, especially with the most hot-to-trot pieces and prizes. From guest artists donating incredible, unique works to friends of DSWF giving their time to deliver special experiences like bespoke trips and tours, we would like to thank everybody for the support, passion, and commitment that makes the silent auction such a significant success.

Dynasties and Legacies

With the Wildlife Ball marking the end of our 40^th anniversary year, it was especially lovely to have been supported by Mandy Shepherd, David’s daughter and DSWF Art Ambassador, who produced the stunning ‘Dynasties’ series of artworks to raise funds especially for this year’s event. We’re thrilled to say that these beautiful paintings barely touched the easel before being snapped up – but we can also announce that just a single piece is still available. Buy it here.

We were also touched by the many tributes to David, our work, and his ongoing legacy from so many of our guests, Field Partners, friends, and family.

A Thank You to Everyone

As is always the case, our events and work would not be possible without the steadfast commitment of our supporters, partners, staff, trustees, and volunteers.

We would like to thank The Dorchester Collection and Chris Cowdray for the generosity that enables us to host the Wildlife Ball, including the incredible dining and the support of The Dorchester’s wonderful hospitality team, as a gift in kind.

The Wildlife Ball would also not be possible without the months of planning, designing, building, filming, and grafting that goes into it by the DSWF staff, who work night and day to make it the success it is. A huge thank you to the team.

And to our volunteers, we again couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for always being there with us.

But of course, our biggest thank you goes to you, our supporters. For forty years, you have been steadfastly behind us and enabled DSWF to become a force to be reckoned with in the conservation field. With you behind us, we’ve raised over £13.5 Million and kept species on the brink in the wild, safer and where they belong. You’ve enabled us to build relationships with our Field Partners that can be measured in decades, meaning projects across Africa and Asia have been made stronger and more impactful year on year thanks to you. We know David would be thrilled, proud, and beaming that memorable, eye-shining smile at your efforts. So, on his behalf, and from all of us, a heartfelt thank you. You are the driving force behind us and always will be.

And with that in mind, we’d like to ask one more thing. Would you please honour us with a donation to our ‘In the footsteps of giants’ appeal, to really bring our 40^th anniversary year to a triumphant close. You can do so here.

And remember, our 2024 Wildlife Ball sold out! So, if you’d like to register your early interest for next year, please drop us a line at wildlifeball@davidshepherd.org

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