An evening to celebrate the ongoing success of Zenith Aviation has led to Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre being handed an £80,000 donation -enough to run the Tunbridge Wells charity for two years.
The private aviation business marked its end of year success with a VIP party, hosted in conjunction with Bombardier at the Bombardier hangar at Biggin Hill, where guests were treated to a West End musical extravaganza, a Champagne reception and a festive three course dinner.
They were invited to bid on a prize to watch the cast perform again at a venue of their choice and after an impassioned speech by Polly Taylor, co-founder of the self-funding charity, the auction finished at a £80,000.
Polly Taylor went on to explain that this will fund the centre for almost two years, and added: “It was the most amazing evening – the wealth of love in that room was unbelievably humbling and it was certainly a night that will stay with me and Pickering for a long time.
“Many thanks to all the wonderful people in the room who donated and a special thank you to Markerstudy, who own Zenith Aviation, for this exceptional invitation.”
Amongst the bidders was Harry Collins, Royal Jeweller and owner of G.Collins & Sons in Tunbridge Wells.
Mr Collins, who is well known for his philanthropic endeavours, both at home and further afield, and is heavily involved with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, amongst others, commented: “There is nothing so rewarding as improving the circumstances for an individual or organisation.
“To know that we have helped fund the Pickering Centre for another two years is an honour and makes me extremely proud.”
Zenith Aviation is expecting significant growth in 2018 after enjoying a record year of flying, up 35% in hours flown, compared to 2016.
The business has gained industry attention since it purchased two Learjet75s from Bombardier in 2016, and is the only company to station its Learjet75s in the UK at its hangar at Biggin Hill.
