Claude Grealy, the President of U3A Jávea, gave a warm welcome to over 100 guests at the Pre-Christmas Bash at the Parador Hotel in Jávea.
He continued, “And we’re back here in April for our 20th Anniversary celebration! Mike Frost, our original Founder, is busy planning some surprises. Even after 20 years, he’s still going strong—a great advertisement for life here in Spain.”
“Later on, we’ll enjoy performances by these wonderful folks behind me—the Ukaholics. They also joined us on Monday night for the Not Just Folk Music DANA Fundraiser at Isla Bonita, organized by Roger Saunders, Peter Allin, and Krystyna Stefancyk. We raised an incredible €1,500 for Cruz Roja in Jávea with more coming in all the time – we were handed another €100 this morning from a kind member.”
“Added to the €3,000 U3A Jávea members have already donated, and with another €1,412 in the bank, we aim to send €3,012 to Cruz Roja this weekend, making a grand total of €6,012!”
Claude added, “Every year at this event, we collect for a local charity. This year, we ask you to dig a little deeper for Make A Smile, a charity which supports poor children who, for a variety of reasons, live in a Care Home in Benissa. Your money will help to make sure that these poor children get a gift and some extra Christmas cheer”.
Claude then introduced the Ukaholics, led by Mairead Huurmann. Comprising U3A Jávea and Denia members plus their family and friends, they perform charity concerts free of charge across the Marina Alta.
The Ukaholics delighted everyone with well-known songs and Christmas favorites, including:
- Love Me Do
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy
- La Bamba
- Y Viva España
- Delilah
- Silent Night
- Feliz Navidad
Here is a video of the Ukaholics performing “Jingle Bells”.
After their fantastic performance, U3A Jávea Vice President Krystyna Stefancyk presented Mairead with a bouquet of flowers to thank her and the Ukaholics.
Claude then passed around the hat (literally) to collect funds for Make A Smile. As ever, we were honoured by your generosity and we collected €306. All of these funds will help to make Christmas a little brighter for children in care – Thank you!
And no Christmas Bash would be complete without a glass of cava and a few delicious tapas.
And here are a few photographs taken on the day (double click to expand the images).
