GoGoSafari Charity Auction raises over £290,000 for young people in care

After a wild summer roaming the streets of Norwich and Norfolk, the much-loved GoGoSafari animal sculptures have now found their forever homes - all while raising an incredible £290,200 at a spectacular one-night-only charity art auction and bringing the total raised from the trail to over £380,000! 

The event took place at Saxon Air, Norwich on 2 October, and was hosted by ITV’s Becky Jago and Chris Page, alongside celebrity auctioneer Natasha Raskin Sharp. Around 200 guests joined in person, with over 70 bidders taking part online, creating a wild atmosphere as the sculptures went under the hammer.

The evening began in style with a vibrant dance performance by the City College Norwich Dance Group, setting the tone for a night full. Guests enjoyed a sparkling reception and delicious food served by Norfolk’s Edge, surrounded by all 56 stunning sculptures — each a one-of-a-kind creation by some of the UK’s most talented artists.

Before bidding started, Aidan, a young adult supported by Break, took to the stage to share his personal journey. His powerful and heartfelt speech captured the room, reminding everyone why the charity’s work is so important and the real difference their support makes.

Bidding then got off to a flying start when the vibrant Prideoscope, sponsored by Norwich BID, sold for an impressive £8,500. From there, the excitement only grew. Andy, a heartfelt tribute to much-loved local businessman and Mr Plastics MD Andy Cole, raised £10,000. The glamorous Gia La Giraffa Lampada, transformed into a working lamp by artist Sally Adams, illuminated the room as it fetched £10,500.

Another of Adams’ creations, the circus elephant BoBo, achieved a fantastic £12,000, thanks in part to match funding from Wild in Art. Adding to the total, the MINI Collection by award winning textile artist Liobhan Alanna, a unique set of five miniature sculptures representing each animal in the trail, collectively raised over £24,000.

Combined with donations and fundraising throughout the summer trail, the total raised has now topped £380,000 - money that will go directly towards helping young people living in, around, and leaving care to build confidence, independence and bright futures, and ensuring Break can be there when we're needed most.  

“The incredible generosity shown tonight will make a real difference for young people in and leaving care across East Anglia,” said Rachel Cowdry, CEO of Break. “This money will enable us to provide the stability, love and opportunities that every young person deserves. With the support we offer, young people can begin to heal, feel valued, and grow into the best adults they can be. Thanks to everyone who took part tonight, we can continue to ensure they feel safe, supported and empowered.”

Ellie Edge, Break’s Partnerships Manager, added:“It was an absolutely fantastic evening, and we’re so grateful to everyone who dug deep and helped us raise such a phenomenal amount. A huge thank you to our auction partners Mander Auctioneers and Production bureau, our auctioneer Natasha Raskin Sharp, and of course our trail partners Wild in Art, Zoological Society of East Anglia, Norwich BID and Chantry Place — as well as our brilliant artists, sculpture sponsors and volunteers, for making the night such a success.”