A record-breaking £79,000 was raised for struggling Teesside families and local worthy causes when 550 Teessiders – including a Who’s Who of local businesses – attended the region’s biggest annual charity ball.
Held in the Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall, Teesside Philanthropic Foundation’s Charity Ball featured a dinner, live bands, dancing, auction and raffle.
New chair of trustees Lee Bramley, of local law firm The Endeavour Partnership, said: “The Foundation’s Charity Ball has become Teesside’s social event of the year – it never fails to bring out the very best in our region’s generous people.
“Thanks to their generosity, we were again able to raise life-changing amounts of money – every penny of which will stay right here on Teesside.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the way the companies and people of Teesside pull together to give such support to help their fellow Teessiders in need.”
Held in association with headline sponsors First Choice Labels, guests were entertained by local band Storm and surprise package The No 1 Singing Waiters, who inspired many to do the Conga and climb on their chairs for napkin-waving renditions of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Sweet Caroline.
One of the night’s highlights was a moving film about four of the local causes the Foundation has supported over the past 12 months – Bloodrun, Wag and Company, St Hilda’s Youth and Community Project and St Bede’s RC Primary Academy.
The film inspired generous donations amounting to £21,000 to enable the Foundation to support similar good causes in the months ahead.
Two auctions raised more than £17,000, with one winning bidder getting a week-long stay in a 12-bed luxury Mallorcan villa for £5,000, while £1,500 was bid by a chance to play in the annual Jimmy Tarbuck Golf Classic in Portugal, donated by charity patron Barney Ord.
Other fundraising items were donated by Psyche, Cool Blue Brand Communications, Wynyard Hall, Porsche Centre Teesside, Teesside International Airport, elite makeup artist Amanda Bell, Ramsdens, Café Lilli, Luxury Chauffeuring Services, Ecco Finishing Supplies, Cornerstone Business Solutions, Bulkhaul, Michael Cartwright, Charity Escapes, Middlesbrough Town Hall, Cocoon & Bauer, Janice Foley, Kate Fearnley, Wooden Reindeer Company, singer Paul Smith, Durham County Cricket Club, Joe Cornish Gallery, Richard Piers Rayner and Nick Dent.
A further £5,860 was raised through the sale of 260 raffle tickets priced £20 each with a prize guaranteed every time thanks to the support of dozens of local companies.
Co-Sponsor for the Wynyard Hall event was law firm Square One Law, Active Chartered Financial Planners were Wine Sponsors, The Prickly Pear Bistro were Programme Sponsors, while Drinks Reception Sponsors were InBond.
