More than £4,300 has been raised for Headway Bedford following an emotional memorial fundraiser held in honour of well-known Bedfordian Giovanni “Gio” Caruso.
The event, held at The Higgins Pantry on Castle Lane, Bedford, brought together friends, family and members of the local community to celebrate Gio’s life while supporting the brain injury charity.
Organisers have now confirmed that the fundraiser will become an annual event following the evening’s success.
Community support
Gio sadly died last September after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
The fundraiser was organised by close friends Vince and Rossana Spiniello, owners of The Higgins Pantry, and was timed to coincide with Gio’s birthday on Sunday, 11 May, when he would have turned 58.
Together with donations made before, during and after the event, the evening raised £4,303.50 for Headway Bedford.
Kayleigh, manager at Headway Bedford, described the total as one of the largest raised by a single fundraising event in recent years.
“This is the most raised from a single event in a very long time,” she said.
Special venue
The Higgins Pantry was chosen as the venue because of Gio’s close connection to the café and restaurant.
Friends often joked he spent more time there than in his tailoring shop across the road.
Organisers said the event gave people an opportunity to “raise a glass” to Gio, share memories and celebrate the positivity and warmth he brought to the Bedford community.
The Higgins Pantry also donated £10 from every ticket sold directly to the fundraising total.
Additional donations were made through a JustGiving page by friends and supporters unable to attend in person.
Music and tributes
Guests at the evening enjoyed Italian food, live music and speeches remembering Gio’s life.
Music was provided free of charge by Sergio, a close friend of Gio, while celebrity DJ Spoony also delivered a speech reflecting on brain injuries and their impact on families and communities.
The event followed an earlier celebration-of-life evening, called The King Lives On, which honoured Gio’s love of Elvis Presley.
Vince and Rossana Spiniello said: “The evening perfectly captured Gio’s spirit, full of positivity, friendship, encouragement, laughter, and music.
“The turnout was incredible and showed just how loved he was by so many people. The atmosphere perfectly reflected the spirit Gio brought to life every day.”
The Higgins Pantry added: “Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, bought raffle tickets, and supported this event in any way.
“Seeing so many people come together in Gio’s memory was incredibly special, and we are proud that his legacy has helped raise such an amazing amount for Headway Bedford.”
