IF YOU believe what people say about the Costa del Sol back in the UK you’d think that the ex-pat community here is a bunch ne’er-do-wells interested only in themselves with no compassion for the country and its people. Anyone who has been here knows that a complete load of bollocks, but the image lives on in the sordid headlines of the British tabloid press. It’s a completely false idea, but I suppose it will never change unless editors are prepared to publish good news from time to time. And if the papers won’t write the truth about my new home in Marbella, a place I have come to love over the last 20 years since I bought my first villa here, then I will. Last week hundreds of mostly ex-pats got together to throw a huge charity dinner in aid of a local homeless shelter called the Asociacion Adintre, which is based just along the coast from me in Fuengirola. To say the event was lavish would be an understatement, but that’s the best word I have to describe the huge bash held at the wonderful La Scala restaurant. The hugely popular eatery was made available gratis by owner, Tibbi Aquila, just as everyone else involved from entertainers, to photographers, and all the behind the scenes volunteers gave their services for free. The target for the event was 11,700 euros, but thanks to the great community effort that number was blown away when the night’s total hit 50,000 euros. Not surprising with the quality of prizes donated including luxury boat trips; track days driving supercars; five star resort holidays, and much, much more. I even personally auctioned off a signed copy of my autobiography – Bog Standard Business for over 11,000 euros. I’m not sure who the mystery bidder was, but Arge from Towie was looking very smug when the hammer finally came down! Every one of the 120 guests paid 99 euros for the evening, with 35 euros from every ticket going straight to the Homeless shelter. The original target would have paid for hot showers for the local homeless community for the next 12-months, but with that figure being exceeded by 400% free hot meals for all will now also be possible. And sticking with the community spirit theme where would we be without people like Lorraine Palmer, owner of El Oceano, whose giant cheque carried us to the 50,000 euro total. There are too many people to thank for making the night such a success but Michel Euesden, CEO of the Euroweekly Newspaper Group, who led the event, with her years of devotion to helping the homeless, definitely deserves a mention. As does her husband Steven Euesden, Michelle Mellet, owner of Fabric Boutiques, and Joyce Gyimah BEM, the dynamic leader of Asociacion Adintre. I also need to give a huge ‘thank you’ to all the performers and media people who pitched in without taking a penny for themselves. They were: Mr Maph, Paul Maxwell, Diva Fever, Sam and Oliva from Bespoke Live Entertainer, as well as photographers and videographers: Rachel, Richard, and Kyle and the entire Euroweekly team. I hope I’ve got them all. The day after the night before, Euronews CEO, Michel, said: “The community and business arena of the Costa del Sol made this event happen. It raised 50,000 euros for the charity, which will open the showers 7 days a week and the kitchen to feed the homeless and the needy for the next twelve months and provide care for the children of domestic violence.” “Together, the Costa del Sol community showered those in need with love and restored HOPE for those who have lost their sense of worth and purpose!” by WeFix Team chairman in exile – Charlie Mullins OBE