The fifth annual Valero Volunteer Council Charity Ball, held on September 15 in the spectacular surroundings of Stackpole Walled Gardens, saw a major sum being raised for Mind Pembrokeshire, the refinery’s 2017 charity of the year.

Around 300 guests from Valero, contract companies and suppliers enjoyed a glamorous gala evening of fine food and entertainment. In addition to ticket sales, a raffle and silent auction on the evening netted over £12,000 for the charity.

Tracey Price, chief executive of Mind Pembrokeshire, recently visited the refinery to receive the funds raised and said: “On behalf of everyone at Mind Pembrokeshire, I want to say how incredibly grateful we are to everyone who organised, helped and supported the Valero Charity Ball. The money raised at the event was beyond our expectation and the support we have received from the Valero during our year in partnership together has been overwhelming.”

Richard Jelley, chairman of the Valero Volunteer Council, said: “Since the Valero Volunteer Council began organising the Charity Ball in 2013 we have raised a massive total of £63,300 for our annual charities. With £12,000 raised at this year’s event for Mind Pembrokeshire our refinery family continues to demonstrate Valero’s commitment to the community. A huge amount of effort went into making the night a success and all our thanks go to the organising committee and all those involved.”