The event, attended by 180 people, was held last November at Sandy Park, the Exeter Chiefs' rugby ground, with Guardian rugby correspondent Rob Kitson as after dinner speaker.
A total of £6,683 was raised for two charities: RABI, which assists farming families in distress, and Action Medical Research (AMR), which funds vital work to fight diseases that affect children and young people.
Fifteen industry sponsors contributed £4,500, with a charity auction and raffle raising a further £2,183 on the night. The evening was a great success and plans for the next dinner are already underway.
Cheques were presented to the two charities at Cullompton Rugby Club, before the current movement restrictions were put in place.
WCLA chair Stuart Young said: “Many poultry and local businesses were incredibly generous and donated high value prizes for the raffle and auction. We would like to thank all sponsors and attendees for their support.”
AMR’s regional fundraiser for Devon, Victoria Simkins, said: “Events like this really do help our fight for tiny lives. From everyone at Action, thank you.” Pam Wills, RABI regional manager for the South West said: “Our work supporting farming families continues to grow and in 2019 we gave grants exceeding £479,000 to beneficiaries in the South West to help with domestic bills. The generous support of this dinner is greatly appreciated.”
The picture shows (L to R): Rob Kitson (Guardian rugby correspondent), Fiona Kitson (AMR Tiverton), Jeremy Walker (vice chair WCLA), Diana Thompson (AMR Tiverton), Stuart Young (chair WCLA), Pam Wills (RABI), Will Frazer (NFU South West poultry adviser), Will White (WCLA).