Charity Ball in aid Children's Hospice SW

Well over 300 tickets have been snapped up for a unique anniversary ball celebrating 20 years of local fundraising, for Children’s Hospice South West, from their Friend’s Group in the Torbay & Newton Abbot area.

Tickets are still available to enjoy this very special 20th. birthday party being held at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, where guests can enjoy the evening’s entertainment including acclaimed comedian & compere Steve Laister, the spectacular band Up4Grabs, vocal diva Ruby Washington along with welcome drinks and a three course gala dinner, plus the added bonus of a big screen above the stage to ensure none of the entertainment is missed.

One of the first-ever Friends’ Groups for Children’s Hospice South West was founded in 1991 and the Dragonfly Ball in October will be a celebration of all that they have achieved throughout the last 20 years. Just as the charity has gone from strength to strength so has the Friends Group, who, with the local community, have raised nearly £1 million in aid of CHSW.

Dawn Shute, local CHSW Friend’s Group events and collections coordinator, is looking forward to the big event:

“Children’s Hospice South West aims to make the most of short and precious lives; the Dragonfly’s life symbolizes the virtue of living in the moment and living life to the full, hence the name of our very special celebratory Dragonfly Ball. Tickets have been really popular, and we would love this very special event to be a sell-out by attracting local people who have followed CHSW over the years or even new supporters.

She continued; “We are delighted that Eddie Farwell, CHSW Chief Executive & Co-Founder will be the guest of honour and has agreed to speak on the evening. We are also incredibly grateful to our sponsors who through their kind generosity will help us to raise even more funds for CHSW. We are particularly indebted to The Rotary Club of Preston (Torbay) for being a major donor and so generously sponsoring the entire cost of the music and special thanks also to ESW (Entertainment S.W. from Dartington) for kindly sponsoring the majority costs for the sound, lighting and visual effects, including the big screen. Wotton Printers have waived their printing costs and to date we have also received kind donations from A.B. Coaches Torbay, Bohemia Nightclub, Firewatch S.W. Ltd., Glendinning, Harold Michelmore Solicitors, Kingskerswell Gardening Society, Manorial Heritage Ltd., Palm FM, Torbay Flower Club and many members of the general public.

We are also thrilled that Vodafone have already match-funded some pre-Ball profits and we have been donated some really special raffle prizes by numerous local businesses but are still trying to procure unusual auction prizes that money can't normally buy, and would welcome any donations of such prizes”

Event and ticketing details:
The celebratory ball will be happening at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay on Saturday 29th October.

Tickets for the black tie ball cost £40 and include a three course evening meal with music, entertainment and auctions. Tickets can be purchased separately or up to 10 per table for a really fun night out. The fun starts from 7pm so to book your tickets contact Dawn Shute on 01803 872736 or 07748 971581 or from the RICC box office on 01803 206333.

The money raised will go to support the vital work at CHSW.

Each hospice is a friendly ‘home from home’ where the whole family can make the most of the precious time they have together: as a result all the rooms are filled with joy and the sounds of laughter.

When the time comes, the hospices provide a comforting and familiar place to say goodbye. With the support of specially trained staff, families are cared for every step of the way; throughout the life of the child, through bereavement and beyond as long as it’s needed.

Your support means Children’s Hospice South West can help children with life limiting illnesses and their families, to find out more visit; www.chsw.org.uk.