Close-Up Magic at the SSNAP Charity Fundraising Event

It was lovely to see some familiar faces (and for some of the guests to recognise me!) in Oxford when I recently performed at an event raising funds for SSNAP. This is the second time I’ve performed at an event for SSNAP, the first was in Milton Keynes in November 2023.

Who is SSNAP, and what do they do?

When a baby is born sick or premature, families face an emotional rollercoaster. That’s where SSNAP (Support for Sick Newborns and their Parents) comes in.

From emotional and practical support to funding vital equipment, research, and family spaces — SSNAP helps parents and babies through some of the toughest days of their lives.

Because every baby deserves the best start, and every parent deserves support. You can learn more at www.ssnap.org.uk and follow on Instagram @ssnapoxford.

SSNAP Event in Oxford

I started the evening mingling with the guests at the drinks reception – a great way to get people interacting and easing into the evening. People naturally congregate into groups of people that they know, so approaching those groups starts getting momentum going, and as others look to see what’s happening I can beckon them over to join in with the fun.

Once everyone was called through to dinner I then went around the tables, performing more close-up magic; and even a little mindreading. With a lot of tables and limited time to get around them all it’s important to work alongside the serving staff so I focus my attention on those tables who are waiting to be served, then when they do I can approach those who are finishing. Hopefully the magic doesn’t disrupt anyone’s dinner and keeps a constant flow of energy going.

To ensure no one misses out I also prepare a little tick-sheet with all the table numbers listed, just to make sure I get around all the tables!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hrQPWANCi8

Thanks To All That Made the Event Happen…

A massive ‘shout-out’ to Emily for organising such an amazing event, especially as there were more than a couple of obstacles involved. Fantastic work in pulling all the elements together!

And massive thanks to the very skilled Eddy (@beautyandbicester) for the photos – what a talent at capturing the reactions to the magic, and the atmosphere of the event.

Lovely to work alongside Bicester based Aaron Williams (@aaron_williams_entertainer) who hosted evening and ran the auction.

Revelry Event Stylists (@revelryeventstylists) did a great job styling the venue, which was the Leonardo hotel (@leonardohotelsukire) near to Oxford

Music was provided by The Funky Waves @thefunkywaves – I caught them briefly sound-checking and heard them their first couple of tunes before I left, but they got everyone dancing.

… And Thanks to Me!

Emily afterwards dropped me a nice email (along with tons and tons of Eddy’s photos. She also left a 5 Star Google Review (which is always appreciated) and said:

“Robert was absolutely incredible at our charity dinner. Would highly recommend anyone to book him.”

She’s also hinted that I’m on the list to be returning at next year’s event.