Mayor of Merton, Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender kick starts her calendar of charity events for her year as Mayor with an Italian evening at Bella Donna, Morden on 21 June.

Residents of the borough are invited to come and enjoy an evening of good food, live music and the Mayor’s raffle which starts at 7pm. Tickets are £20 and include a two course Italian buffet and a complimentary drink.

The event is the first of the season to raise money for the Mayor’s primary charity, Parkinsons Merton. Throughout the year there will be a chance to take part in events across the borough from Pimms in the Park, a family fun day at Deen City Farm, and a medieval banquet all to raise money for charities in Merton. There will also be joint fundraisers held such as an event with the Mayor of Richmond, which will raise money for Chase children’s hospice.

Although Parkinsons Merton is the primarily beneficiary of the Mayor’s work, Merton Music Foundation, Merton Concert Band, Merton and Morden Guild, Merton Vision, Merton Priory Trust, Crossroads and Age Concern will also receive funds from the events.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender said: “I have lots of exciting events planned throughout the year for residents to come along and enjoy. They will raise money for charities close to my heart and offer some great entertainment to those who live in the borough. During my year as Mayor I intend to meet as many residents as possible and I look forward to this starting at my first event.”

For more information please contact the Mayor’s office on mayor@merton.gov.uk or call 020 8545 3517.

Notes to editors:
· Bella Donna is located at 87 London Road, Morden.

-Ends-

Press Contact:
Leoni Munslow
Communications Assistant
London Borough of Merton
020 8545 4654