Windsor Auctions is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a charity auction as part of a fundraising ball for the Eton Information Centre, a community hub that provides an incredible range of services to both locals and visitors alike.

The event, scheduled for March 2025, promises to be a night filled with fun, philanthropy, and, of course, exciting auction items.

With Windsor Auctions’ head auctioneer, Harry Ballin, taking the lead, the auction is set to be a key highlight of the evening, raising vital funds for this beloved community asset.

 

About the Eton Information Centre

 

The Eton Information Centre, operated by a community interest company, serves as more than just a tourist information hub. While it does provide important information to tourists – especially in the wake of the Windsor Tourist Information Centre’s closure – it offers much more.

The Centre helps promote local businesses, sells unique goods like art and antiques, and supports local artists through initiatives like “Art at 67,” where local artists can display and sell their work.

The Centre’s positive impact on the local economy is undeniable. Research shows that visitors who stay overnight in the area spend more than twice as much as day visitors. By encouraging tourists to explore and stay longer in both Windsor and Eton, the Centre plays an important role in supporting local businesses, restaurants, and hotels.

But beyond tourism, the Eton Information Centre also provides a quiet and welcoming space for the local community. Whether it’s a friendly chat, a warm spot during the winter, or simply a place to feel connected, the Centre is a haven for residents.

The Centre’s staff and volunteers are integral to its success, with many working pro bono or for wages just above the minimum wage, driven by a passion for the community.

 

The Importance of Fundraising

 

The Centre’s continued operations are not guaranteed. Despite its importance, it faces financial challenges, much like many community initiatives.

Being a community interest company does offer some advantages – it can apply for funding and hold fundraising events in a way that council-run entities cannot – but these opportunities alone are not enough to keep the Centre fully funded.

One of the major fundraising efforts for the Centre is the annual charity ball, which has been highly successful in the past. Typically attracting between 120-140 attendees, the ball raises upwards of £12,000 each year, a significant portion of the Centre’s annual operating budget.

This year, the goal is to raise even more – ideally at least £15,000 – which would be a game-changer for the Centre’s future operations.

These funds are critical for maintaining the Centre’s services and expanding its hours. Currently, the Centre is often closed on Wednesdays due to funding constraints, but if enough money is raised, the aim is to remain open six days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM. This would allow more people – both visitors and locals – to take advantage of everything the Centre has to offer.

 

The Fundraising Ball and Auction

 

The charity auction, a major part of the fundraising ball, will be hosted by Harry Ballin of Windsor Auctions. Harry’s deep ties to the community and his warm rapport with guests make him the perfect auctioneer for this event. Not only is Harry highly skilled at encouraging higher bids, but his personal relationships with many attendees ensure that the evening is full of friendly competition and entertainment.

The live auction has always been a huge success, featuring a wide variety of impressive prizes, and this year will be no different.

In previous years, the auction has featured incredible experiences, such as:

• A three-night stay at a luxurious hotel in the west of Ireland.
• Fly-fishing experiences at Rutland Water.

These are just a few examples of the prizes that guests can bid on during the live auction. This year, attendees can expect similarly exciting and unique experiences to go under the hammer.

In addition to the live auction, there will also be a silent auction featuring smaller, yet equally interesting, items. In the past, this has included memorabilia, such as a boater worn by an Eton College student during a historic boat race.

The evening will also include a “heads and tails” game – a fun way for guests to win additional prizes while raising even more money for the Centre. Last year, the grand prize was afternoon tea at The Ritz, which was a huge hit with attendees.

 

A Community-Focused Evening

 

Beyond the auction, the ball will feature live music, a DJ, and plenty of dancing. Attendees will enjoy a delicious three-course meal, and the night will be filled with laughter and celebration, all in support of a great cause.

The ball isn’t just about raising funds – it’s about raising awareness of the Centre’s work and the important role it plays in the community.

Eton College, which generously provides the building at a discounted rent, is a key supporter of the Centre, and their involvement helps underscore the Centre’s significance to the local area.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Eton Information Centre

 

The funds raised at the ball will go toward expanding the Centre’s operations and ensuring it can continue to support both tourists and the local community.

The Centre has exciting plans for the future, including an “Arts in Eton” week, scheduled for summer 2025. This event will bring together local and visiting artists, allowing them to paint iconic Eton locations while residents and tourists observe and engage. At the end of the week, the art will be showcased and sold, with proceeds benefiting both the artists and the Centre.

This is just one example of the many ways the Eton Information Centre plans to expand its community outreach and continue providing invaluable services to residents and visitors.

 

How You Can Help

 

If you can’t attend the ball, there are still plenty of ways to support the Eton Information Centre. You can make a donation through their fundraising page or get involved as a volunteer. Every little bit helps keep this wonderful community resource going.

At Windsor Auctions, we’re honoured to be a part of this special event. We look forward to seeing you at the ball and encourage everyone to support this important cause, whether through attending, bidding on auction items, or donating directly.

For more information on the event, the auction, and how to get involved, please visit the Eton Information Centre’s website. Together, we can help ensure the Centre continues to thrive for years to come.