Wildlife Ball raises vital funds for endangered species

On Friday the 11^th March 2022, 380 guests were welcomed to The Dorchester in Park Lane for the prestigious DSWF Wildlife Ball. Generously hosted by the Dorchester Collection, the black tie event was a roaring success with a staggering £180,000 raised on the night.  

DSWF brought the wilderness to one of London’s most iconic hotels with a Sundown Safari theme. Guests were transported to an African savannah where they were treated to a mouth-watering three course meal by The Dorchester’s Executive Chef Mario Perera, world class entertainment and insightful conservation speeches.

A champagne reception welcomed guests who were able to take advantage of the photo opportunities by a striking balloon display – kindly donated by Erin Kilpatrick and her team. Guests could also purchase original wildlife art, wildlife adoptions and browse all the available lots in the Silent Auction. The wonderful décor was created by the Luxe Occasion, Dorchester Floristry and London Event Floristry.

Once seated in The Dorchester’s grand Ballroom, guests were treated to a Lion King medley by West End Kids who have performed for The Queen, at the Olympic Games and the DSWF Wildlife Ball in 2019. The Wildlife Ball 2022 was hosted by award-winning mezzo-soprano and DSWF Community Ambassador Laura Wright who also performed her song ‘Can you Hear Me?’ which was breathtakingly beautiful.

Georgina Lamb (DSWF’s CEO) reminded guests through her inspirational speeches how everyone must act now to safeguard the world’s endangered species “Protecting wildlife and their habitats is one of the most substantial and underrated solutions to the climate crisis. Natural climate solutions, such as the protection of forests, wetlands and grasslands can provide up to 37% of the mitigation needed to keep a global temperature rise below 2°C. The world’s forests alone absorb 2.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year, yet an area the size of a football pitch is destroyed every second through human exploitation and forest fires. Protecting these landscapes, and the wildlife within, is essential”.

Emily Lamb (DSWF’s Art Patron) highlighted how art contributes in the fight for conservation “Through art we can share the stories of wildlife, in a way that is intrinsic to soulful, emotive and powerful recovery. It is the lifeblood of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and remain as deeply rooted in our DNA today as when it was first established”.

DSWF’s Wildlife Ball celebrates wildlife and art continuing the legacy left by DSWF’s Founder – the late, great conservationist and artist David Shepherd. Remarkable artworks by three generations of the Shepherd family were auctioned along with many unique artworks which were generously donated by both artists and Friends of the Foundation.

DSWF works hard to maximise the impact of each donation received. To date, the Foundation has invested over £11.6 million in wildlife conservation projects through long term partners across Africa and Asia. Recognising the complex issues that face the environment today, DSWF takes a holistic approach to conservation fighting wildlife crime, protecting endangered species and engaging with local communities.

Thank you once again to the supporters, auction donors, guests and volunteers involved in the Wildlife Ball 2022 along with our fantastic host – Laura Wright. A big thank also to our fantastic event partners – Kingsley Print, West End Kids, Planned2Perfection and Luxe Occasion Co. The Wildlife Ball would not have been possible without all your generous support.

DSWF hopes to see many of you at the Wildlife Ball in 2023 as we continue to turn the tide on extinction. We look forward to sharing what impact the monies raised at Friday’s event will have soon. In the meantime, to find out more about the work DSWF does please visit our website.