Sold-out Tea and Wine afternoon at Raquets raises over €1,000 for ACE shelter

Not a single sausage roll survived the afternoon at Raquets Restaurant, where a sold-out afternoon raised an incredible €1,100 for the dogs and cats of ACE Animal Shelter.

Torrenueva was a hive of activity on Thursday, October 1, when people poured into Raquets Restaurant for the ACE charity Tea and Wine afternoon. Tickets cost just €5 and it’s easy to see why they were quickly snapped up.

Homemade food made with love

Volunteers and helpers from ACE lovingly made every bite by hand, creating a huge selection of sandwiches, jam’s, quiches, cheese pies, cakes and, of course, those golden flaky sausage rolls.

Jackie, who was manning the food table and taking money, worked her socks off, while fellow volunteer Andrieli Hammond went to a huge effort, making cupcakes lovingly decorated with individual dog names and photos from the shelter, plus personalised dog bunting. Both of which added a personal sprinkle of magic that gave the room a special extra touch.

Drinks flowing and an array of prizes

Raquets restaurant owner Pauline generously handed the whole bar and restaurant operation over to the charity event for the afternoon. Her and her staff barely stopped for breath as the drinks flowed. Pauline’s homemade chips couldn’t come out the kitchen quick enough, they went down an absolute storm.

Some guests drifted out to sit in the sunny terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy the live music from singer Andy Time. The raffle held a mega selection of prizes to be won, with everything from gin to cava, vouchers to perfume, you name it, it was there. All prizes kindly donated from local residents and businesses to take the total number raised higher.

Shelter numbers at an all-time high

Behind the fun and food was a serious message. Fabienne, founder of ACE, explained that the shelter, which cares for well over 500 dogs and 200 cats, is currently seeing numbers at an all-time high. She said it is heart-breaking when people underestimate what goes into caring for a dog and simply leave them aside. She highly praised the event where every euro will go directly to the animals who depend on the shelter. Anyone who missed out can still help. ACE always welcomes donations and volunteers.

A roaring success to be repeated

Organiser Marti did a sterling job and was non-stop from start to finish with questions flying at her left right and centre. She admitted to feeling nervous beforehand, but had absolutely no reason to be. The afternoon was a roaring success, and it is one that should be repeated.

Throughout the afternoon, a warm, friendly buzz filled the air, the kind of community feeling that makes life on the coast so special. As the organisers said, every bite helps and every treat saves lives.