Member Article

Enchanted evening adds extra sparkle to charity funds

THE ENCHANTED FOREST proved very popular at this year’s Calvert Trust Kielder fundraising ball with guests raising an amazing £40,000 for the charity.

280 guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and fundraising at NewcastleGateshead’s Hilton Hotel which had been transformed into an enchanted forest for the evening with forest themed table and room decorations, magical lighting, toadstools, fairies and even a green ‘grass’ carpet on arrival.

There was also live music from local band ‘Grace Under Pressure’ and a charity auction by George White of estate agents George F White with prizes including an exclusive opportunity to travel with Barcelona FC, private dining experience at Vallum Farm and a luxury Christmas tree professionally decorated in your home.

Calvert Trust Kielder CEO Peter Cockerill gave a speech and shared an inspirational and moving film from the Brittle Bone Society’s visit to the charity earlier in the year which showed exactly what a positive difference a visit to Calvert Trust Kielder can make.

A number of local and regional businesses supported the event including I Am Sold, Quantum Pharmaceutical, Handelsbanken and main event sponsors, TLW Solicitors.

Alistair McDonald, head of marketing and business development at TLW, said: “We have supported Calvert Trust Kielder for a number of years now and fully appreciate what a great job it does for people with disabilities and their families.

“The TLW team has a specialist division to help people with serious injuries so we see first-hand what a difference Calvert Trust Kielder can make to these individuals. As a specialist provider of legal services to people with brain, spinal and other complex injuries, our aim is to work with and support many more organisations and events like this to help clients who have suffered a life-changing event .

“The Ball is always a great event and this year’s ‘Enchanted Forest’ was truly spectacular. £40,000 is a fantastic achievement and we’re very proud to be part of it.”

Calvert Trust Kielder is a registered charity which enables guests with disabilities to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure.

CEO Peter Cockerill said: “The Calvert Ball is an important date in our fundraising calendar and always a good night. The Enchanted Forest theme proved to be hugely popular with guests and hugely successful for us, generating thousands of pounds for the charity.

“We are very, very grateful to everyone, businesses and individuals, who supported us again this year. The funds really will make a big difference to people with disabilities and their families who visit us.”

Calvert Trust Kielder’s next fundraiser is its annual Christmas Family Festival on Sunday 6 December at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.

For further information visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder or call Hazel Ditchburn on 01434 250232.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .