Ball nets £33,000 for sick children in Dorset (From Thisisdorset)

Ball nets £33,000 for sick children in Dorset

10:00am Sunday 7th October 2012 in Latest By James Tourgout

REVELLERS raised £33,000 at their second annual ball in aid of seriously ill children in Dorset.

They took part in a silent auction and balloon raffle to help bolster funds at the Julia’s House children’s hospice Enchanted Garden Ball. The night raised £33,000, beating 2011’s total of £24,500.

All the money raised at this year’s event will go towards the care of the children at Julia’s House.

Linda Schofield-Green, from Julia’s House, said: “With the economy as it is, charities can be particularly hard-hit, especially in finding ways to raise money.

“Without the support from the community and kind donations from sponsors such as Bartercard, Julia’s House would not have been able to put on such a great event.” The ball was held at the Upton House Walled Gardens.

Tables were kitted out with an interactive tablet, where guests could bid live for prizes such as Premier League tickets, a year’s spa membership and signed pictures from Olympic gold medallists. This year’s balloon raffle saw guests the winner getting a holiday to Tuscany.

One of the sponsors, Simon Barker, chief executive of Bartercard UK, said: “We were delighted to support Julia’s House, which carries out such important work in the Dorset area.

“It’s so important for businesses to support charities and evenings like this. It demonstrates just how much can be raised for such a good cause.”

Guests arrived in style to a string quartet and drinks, and went on to enjoy a three-course meal and piano accompaniment. The special guest was Voice UK star Jaz Ellington, who performed for the audience.