Latest posts by Martin Moodie (see all)
Over 120 industry executives were truly duty free on Saturday evening as the Rugby World Cup in France came to a thrilling conclusion.
Sponsored by ten industry companies or individuals representing their respective rugby playing nations, the evening – themed ‘Free of Duty’ – the event attracted a sell-out crowd (plus a few rugby teams full of gate crashers) to Le Grand Cafe on the Croissette.
Each guest at the showing of the world cup final between Scorpio Distributors (also known as England) and the African Pride Wines (South Africa) wore their national colours, making for a truly international occasion. The final was deservedly, though narrowly, won by the South Africans, the tournament’s only unbeaten side.
The evening also saw nearly 13,000 Euros raised for children’s cleft charity The Smile Train from an auction expertly conducted by Irishman David Spillane – and a raffle of various items kindly donated by sponsors and industry executives.
The biggest ticket item of the evening was generously donated by TFWA Care – an England rugby jumper (below being reluctantly held up by an All Blacks fan) signed by the entire England squad. With optimal auction timing – before the match – the jumper attracted heavy bidding, culminating in a 7,000 Euros winning offer by Scorpio boss Stuart McGuire. The sum raised will pay directly for operations for over 70 young children in developing countries.
What a great evening, one that not only showed African Pride at its best but also English (and Scorpio’s) spirit – and the whole multi-national travel retail tapestry in all its colours.
