CHARITABLE spirit blossomed at the annual Sunflower Ball.
Last night’s lavish event, which is one of the biggest in the Chronicle Sunshine Fund’s calendar, saw the great and the good of the North East turn out in support.
Loyal patrons including TV presenter Pam Royle and Paralympian Stephen Miller were out in full force to help the disabled children’s charity raise as much money as possible for the worthy cause.
Clare Savory, Sunshine Fund event manager, said: “The Sunflower Ball 2013 was a great success. We would like to thank our event sponsor ITPS for their continued support, we would also like to thank intu Eldon Square for sponsoring our headline game and Robins & Day for sponsoring the entertainment. The night has helped raise vital funds for the charity which will benefit hundreds of children with disabilities in the North East.”
The Ball, which is sponsored by ITPS, was held at the Marriot Hotel, Gosforth Park in Newcastle, and saw guests treated to a drinks reception, three-course meal, live band and disco.
Michael Jopling, finance director at ITPS, said: “We have supported the Sunshine Fund for over a decade now and have seen first-hand how sponsoring an event such as the Sunflower Ball can enhance the lives of children with disabilities and their families in our own region. The ball is an event we have personally seen grow bigger and better year on year and we are privileged to be associated with such a fabulous fundraiser.”
Garry Sheriff, managing director at ITPS, added: “The Sunflower Ball is one of the Sunshine Fund’s highlight events of the year and to be involved in such a big way is a credit to ITPS. The Fund has always been a charity close to our hearts as it’s North East-based and allows us to help children with disabilities in our own region.
“To know that our help is making a real difference, and to see first-hand how an event like this enhances the lives of these children, is very rewarding.”
All the money raised from the night will go towards the Sunshine Fund, which provides grants to families with disabled children in the region who need specialist equipment to make their everyday lives easier.
To find more, go to sunshine-fund.org