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Fundraisers set to have a ball

18 September 2007

This year’s Sunflower event will be biggest yet

THE Sunshine Fund annual ball is just weeks away and preparations are almost complete. Last year hundreds of supporters donned their finery to support the Chronicle’s charity for sick and disabled youngsters.

The Ball raises around £30,000 each year for the Sunshine Fund and more than 300 people attended the last event at the Marriott Hotel, in Gosforth Park, Newcastle.

This year’s bash, though, promises to be even bigger. It’s already sold out, with 452 people getting ready for one of the biggest nights in the North East’s social calendar.

Sunshine Fund manager Jo Harris said: “The time of the ball is always exciting for the Sunshine Fund and we are delighted to have such a large guest list.
“This year, as always, promises to be a brilliant night for everyone involved in it. And, on top of that, we are hoping to raise some much-needed funds for the charity as well.”

One of the main sponsors on the night are chartered surveyors and property consultants Sanderson Weatherall.
Sean Hedley, from the company, said: “Dedicated to helping youngsters on our doorstep, the Sunshine Fund makes a real difference to people’s lives in this region. “Over the last few years, its annual Sunflower Ball has become a highlight in the city’s social calendar, making a name for itself as a superb night out whilst raising money for a fantastic cause. “We are proud to be sponsoring the event this year and are looking forward to what will be a great evening.”

And another of the sponsors is the Northern 4x4 Centre. Jason Lewis, principle dealer, said: “We got involved with the Sunshine Fund because we thought it was a great charity that did a lot of good work. “It also coincides with the launch of the Hummer in the UK and we are the Newcastle dealer. I will be coming to the Ball with my wife and there’s a number of others coming as well.”

On the night a charity auction will take place with some very special prizes.
Airline Emirates have donated a pair of flights to Dubai and a week’s accommodation has been provided by Le Royal Meridian Beach Resort & Spa.
Jet2.com has also just donated four return flights from Newcastle to London Gatwick so that four people can travel to see Ant & Dec’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and meet the Geordie duo in April next year.

And there are also other prizes up for grabs donated from Oldfields, Duncan Fisher of Apartment, Duncan Crute of Crutes La Mar, Century FM and NUFC Football in the Community.

Anyone who would like more information about the Sunshine Fund can call Jo Harris on (0191) 201 6289


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