Events
The Sunflower Ball
Date: Friday 10th October
Venue: Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park
The 2008 Sunflower Ball marked 80 year's of giving cash to the north east's children.
Guests pulled on their fine frocks and sleek suits and headed to Gosforth’s Marriot Hotel, Newcastle, to mark the start of the fund’s special birthday year, to dig deep in their pockets for good causes and have some fun.
The guests joined in party games to help raise cash for the charity and help disadvantaged children.
Sunshine Fund patrons Pam Royle, from Tyne Tees television, Paralympian Stephen Miller, and North East comedy favourite Bobby Pattinson joined the generous crowd of 400. A video message from TV duo Ant and Dec was added to auctions, tombola, raffle, casino and, of course, dinner for the evening’s entertainment.
In total more than £30,000 was raised by the flagship event.
Jo Harris, manager of the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund, said: “It’s just been fantastic. Everyone has had a wonderful time. As always we’re so grateful to all of the companies who have hosted tables tonight.
Paralympian Stephen Miller joined the festivities after adding a silver medal in club-throwing, at the Beijing games, to his three previous golds.
“I benefited from the Sunshine Fund when I was growing up, so I realise how valuable the work it does is,” he said.
Charity patron for more than 19 years Pam Royle came to realise the real value of the fund when her own children were born.
She said: “It’s amazing when you think what all of the money raised tonight will do for children. It has the potential to change families’ lives for the better.”
Fund chairman Martin Solomon said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people returning for our 15th annual ball, and continuing to help us do as much as we can for those who need our help.”
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