Member Article

Firecracker Ball breaks £2m fundraising barrier for Barnardo’s

One of the standout charity events in the Yorkshire calendar, the Firecracker Ball, has raised a record amount in excess of £300, 000 reaching a target of over £2m, raised for Barnardo’s since it became its chosen charity in 2002.

On Saturday night 14th November, 720 guests were transported to a world of make believe as they entered the huge marquee, attached to Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate, which was transformed to a land of fairy tales for this year’s ‘Once Upon a Time’ ball theme.

Barnardo’s Vice President and Chair of the Firecracker Ball Committee, Phil Taylor said: “This is a milestone achievement for the Firecracker Ball and it is thanks to the support and generosity of everybody involved, from those who have helped by donating a prize, buying a ticket or bidding in the auction. Without you we couldn’t help Barnardo’s to change the lives of thousands of children and young people in Yorkshire.”

Phil continued: “We would particularly like to thank our sponsors for their support of the event and businesses in the area who have played a huge part in the charity’s success, especially Evans, Phillip Stoner, UBS, Angels Events and Oakapple Group, all who have supported the charity for several years now.”

The night began with speeches from Javed Khan, CEO of Barnardo’s, Vice President and Chair of the Firecracker Ball committee Phil Taylor and 17 year old Emily who spoke about her Barnardo’s journey and how her Barnardo’s support worker has helped her to cope with some difficult situations and has always been there.

Guests were treated to a three course gourmet dinner whilst been entertained by various music and theatrical acts.

Sir Richard Branson, Daniel Craig, Christopher Biggins, Ben de Lisi and Sir Alex Ferguson were among the celebrities offering personalised prizes for the online auction, which came to a close after dinner having also been open to the public for a period of time.

To end the night Texas brought the house down by playing the very best of their multi-million selling albums with hits including Say What You Want, Summer Son, I Don’t Want a Lover and new material from their brand-new album, Texas 25.

All funds will be donated to Barnardo’s in Yorkshire, who each year help almost 14,000 children, young people and their families in over 80 specialised projects in local communities. Since 2002 The Firecracker Ball has donated almost 1.7 million pounds.

Kirsty Guy, Relationship Manager, from Barnardo’s said: “The funds raised are helping to make sure Barnardo’s services across Yorkshire can continue to offer services that are in strong demand by the local community, this year focusing on support for young people leaving care and at risk of homelessness.

Kirsty continued: “The more money we can raise the more we can help the most vulnerable children overcome their problems and transform their lives, so we are naturally over the moon with the record amount of money that has been raised.”

If you would like to find out more about the event please visit www.thefirecrackerball.co.uk. Firecracker 2016 will take place on 12th November; it is never too early to find out how to be a sponsor, donate a prize, or book tickets!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martha Phillips .