Charity benefit dinner raises €9,425 for Madrugada

A Charity Benefit Dinner held at Restaurante Querença (Loulé) was a tremendous success, raising an impressive €9,425 for Madrugada, the Algarve charity dedicated to supporting people living with life-threatening illnesses and providing care, comfort and practical assistance to both patients and their families.

The event was generously hosted by Yura and his exceptional team at Restaurante Querença, whose support, hospitality and dedication helped create a memorable evening for all who attended.

The evening featured live music, a live auction, a silent auction and raffle, all of which contributed to the outstanding amount raised. Eighty-three guests attended and enjoyed an evening of excellent food, superb service and entertainment, while supporting an important local cause.

Event organisers Steve Fenton, Chris Tapp, Bobbie Waters and Paul Tofts expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening.

Special thanks were extended to Yura and his staff at Restaurante Querença, together with Martin Teutsher, whose saxophone and flute performances helped create a wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening. Their generosity in providing their services at reduced rates enabled more funds to be directed to Madrugada.

Bobbie Waters, an independent fundraiser who has supported Madrugada for many years, said: “Once again, the generosity of our local community has been truly inspiring. Madrugada provides invaluable support to people and families facing some of life’s most difficult challenges, and I am incredibly proud that together we have raised €9,425 to help the charity continue its outstanding work.

“I would like to thank every guest, donor, sponsor and volunteer whose generosity made the evening possible, particularly the 83 guests who attended and supported the Charity Benefit Dinner. Their enthusiasm, generosity and participation helped create a wonderful atmosphere and were instrumental in making the event such a tremendous success. On behalf of the organising team, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to what was a wonderful evening.”

The organisers would also like to recognise the many businesses, organisations and individuals who generously donated auction and raffle prizes. Their support played a vital role in helping the event achieve its fundraising success.

Donations included golf experiences from Quinta do Lago Golf, Pinheiros Altos Golf Club, Ombria Golf Resort, Vila Sol Golf and PA Golf, as well as a golf lesson donated by Quinta do Lago professional Callum Burgess. Accommodation prizes included a two-night stay for two at the Hilton Vilamoura, a three-night luxury villa stay in Vale do Lobo donated by Johnny Williams, and a week’s stay at an idyllic cottage overlooking Georgian Bay, Lake Huron in Canada, available during July or August 2026 or 2027, donated by Jennifer and Ray Osborne.

Restaurant and dining experiences were generously donated by Yu Restaurant Almancil, Eduardo’s Paradise Beach Restaurant, O Lavrador Restaurant in Boliqueime, Cabana Sass Beach Restaurant, Bocage Restaurant in Loulé, Juniper Bar Bistro, Cheeky Pup Quinta do Lago, BJ’s Restaurant and Izzy’s Restaurant.

Additional prizes included complimentary tickets to the Football School at Algarve Tennis and Fitness Club in Vale do Lobo from Brian Rodgers, a professional family or portrait photography session donated by photographer Dan Birch, beauty and wellness vouchers from Dorsa Alves, Nadege Hair and Beauty Salon, Body Worxs – Debbie Nunes and Sweet Beauty Almancil, together with a one-month subscription to Dungle Dog Park and Café.

Further donations included luxury hampers, premium wines, gift sets and speciality products generously donated by Apolonia, Quinta da Tôr, Shirley Dunne for the Easter bags, Penny and Andy Hemsted, and numerous other generous supporters. The organisers would also like to acknowledge the many anonymous donations made on the night, which contributed significantly to the overall success of the raffle and auctions.

Special recognition is also extended to Blevins Franks for their outstanding and long-standing support over the past 17 years. Their continued commitment has played an important role in the success of the event. The organisers would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Mr & Mrs Paver as well as Phil Rowland for their invaluable support and generosity, all of which have been instrumental in helping make this year’s event such a success.

The funds raised will enable Madrugada to continue providing invaluable care, practical support and comfort to individuals and families facing life-threatening illnesses throughout the Algarve. The organisers hope that the success of this event will inspire continued support for the charity and its vital work within the community.

For more information, please visit www.madrugada-portugal.com