The Harrogate community is set to come together for a special dinner in honour of a well-known business personality.
An evening of food and entertainment will be held at Ashville College on Saturday 29th June to fundraise in honour of David Simister.
The businessman attended Ashville College before going on to become an award-winning journalist, a local councillor, the chief executive of Harrogate Chamber of Commerce, and a successful business owner, among other business endeavours.
He survived a life-changing stroke in March 2023, and has unfortunately not been able to return to work since.
Funds raised from the ‘Dinner for David’ will go to Disability Action Yorkshire, which is soon to open new accessible accommodation in Harrogate allowing people with disabilities to live independently.
The black-tie dinner will honour and celebrate his achievements and raise money for a cause now able to make a direct difference to his own life and to others from the area living with disabilities.
The event is being organised by Ashville’s alumni organisation the Ashvillian Society, of which David was President for a number of years.
Its current President, Beth Mottram, said:
“We are delighted by the interest shown in this event by the Harrogate community and their support in fundraising for this great cause, which is why we are putting everything into making this a night to remember, for all the right reasons!
“David’s brother, Andrew Simister, will say a few words on behalf of David and his family, and we look forward to seeing everyone come together to enjoy some great food and wine, fun and dancing, raising money for Disability Action Yorkshire in the process.
“We look forward to seeing you there, and if you haven’t booked your seat yet, it will be fastest fingers first to snap up those last remaining tickets.”
Entertainment on the night will include live music, a DJ, a photobooth, a silent auction, and a raffle.
Guests will have the opportunity to win a range of top-notch prizes, including an overnight spa escape for two at Rudding Park, a £50 Liz Earle hamper, a Harrogate Town signed football shirt, and a £50 Provenance Inns gift voucher that can be used across nine North Yorkshire venues.
The evening will begin at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £60 per person and can be booked in advance here.
Raffle prizes are also still being sought. Whether you are attending the event or not, if you would like to donate a prize to help raise money for Disability Action Yorkshire, please email oa@ashville.co.uk

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