Trophy categories include “Super Seniors”, “First Mixed Pair”, “First Ladies Pair”, “First Gentlemen’s Pair” and one for the younger players – “The 60s”.
The most coveted trophies, the “Overall Winners”, this year went to Dudley Leigh and Jimmy Strauss in the more experienced tournament and Vera Ezra and Danielle Fobel in the friendly tournament.
Funds are raised through the sponsorship of the trophies and through a raffle, prizes for which included a weekend in the south of France, a pair of diamond earrings, luxurious hotel stays, theatre tickets, and meals at downtown London restaurants.
Patsy Bloom, 84, one of the founder members and a co-chair of the bridge committee along with Susan James, said the atmosphere on the day varies from year to year but is always “very competitive but wonderful and polite. It’s more like tennis than football,” she said. “Guests are pleased to catch up with friends, focus on the bridge and enjoy a lunch while raising money.” She said the committee aims to set it up in such a way as to provide an “elegant day out” for all participants. “It’s a perfect way to spend a day, especially in this wonderful British climate when no one is waiting around for a sunny day,” she said.
Patsy was “dumbstruck” when she was informed the committee had reached the milestone of £2.5 million raised since its inception. “We were absolutely amazed to be honest, so much so that I made them go back and check the figures,” she said.
The lunch part of the day was dedicated to founder member Shirley Young, who passed away last year.
She was married to Stuart Young, brother of Lord Young, the first President of Jewish Care.
Patsy said: “Shirley was so dynamic and vibrant, we never thought she would ever pass away. She was a very serious fundraiser, too, and we miss her. We loved her dearly.”
The main sponsors of Bridge Extravaganza are Melanie and Michael Sherwood, and all funds raised goes toward supporting Jewish Care’s dementia day centres.
