A NATIONAL trade association brought the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the Ageas Bowl to raise thousands for charity.

The Southern Committee of R3, which brings together restructuring and insolvency professionals from the accountancy and legal sectors across the south, raised just under £2,000 for Wetwheels, which builds disabled people’s confidence by providing the opportunity to access the sea using specially modified, fully accessible powerboats.

Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner in the hotel ballroom before taking part in raffle and trying their luck at various casino entertainments. Music was provided by a swing band led by Tom Guyer.

Event sponsors, Liberty Leasing Ltd also provided a Twitter Wall allowing all those using the #R3SouthernBall hashtag the opportunity to share their images on a big screen throughout the night with the best image winning a luxury Christmas hamper.

Mike Pavitt, chairman of R3’s Southern Committee and partner and head of the corporate restructuring and insolvency group at Paris Smith in Southampton, said: “Each year we choose a different charity which has a strong connection with the South to support at the annual ball, and this year we chose to support a charity which benefits the wider region.

“Members travel to this event from as far afield as London and Bristol and we felt that Wetwheels and the incredible work it does across the country and beyond, in some ways mirrors the insolvency industry’s efforts to overcome adversity in all its forms, and reflects two of R3’s core values, of recovery and renewal.”