The Carphone Warehouse auction 2007

£186,000 raised in one evening for Get Connected 

The annual auction held by The Carphone Warehouse in aid of Get Connected exceeded all expectations last night, raising an unprecedented £186,000.

Items including whale watching in Vancouver, a week in Africa and shooting lessons for 12 people were donated by The Carphone Warehouse and supporters including Freud Communications, O₂ and HSBC. All guests enjoyed drinks, canapés and entertainment at the Vegas-themed event in London's Pigalle Club.

The Carphone Warehouse's UK Chief Executive Andrew Harrison, also a trustee of the charity, introduced guests to the work of the helpline, with Founder and Group CEO of The Carphone Warehouse Charles Dunstone announcing the final total. Tv presenter Mark Durden-Smith hosted the event.

Get Connected's Director Emma Insley said, "We hoped to exceed last year's total but this is fantastic. We expected to raise enough money to support and develop our webchat service but with the funds raised tonight we can also guarantee the financial security of the organisation for the future. Our plans for the next three years can focus on reaching young people where, how and when they need us most."

Get Connected's Director Emma Insley (left) and CEO of The Carphone Warehouse UK Andrew Harrison join Get Connected and The Carphone Warehouse staff to celebrate the total raised by the auction.