Simon Community 'Night at the Movies'

A recent 'Night at the Movies' at the Europa Hotel has helped to raise valuable funds for Simon Community NI.

The gala ball and auction of movie memorabilia was hosted by George Jones from the BBC and Gerry Kelly from UTV.

An eight foot tall 'Oscar' statue and Mercedes-Benz CLK Classic Coupe greeted 300 guests. The evening's entertainment included a drinks reception in the Bombay Sapphire 'Movie Stars Lounge', a four course dinner and dancing to The Untouchables.

Paul Collins, director of fundraising at the charity, said, " The Gala Ball is one of the highlights in the fundraising calendar of Simon Community Northern Ireland and is only made possible by the tremendous support offered by the local business community."

Items up for auction on the night included a movie poster from the film Titanic, signed by Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet, and publicity items from Ben Hur autographed by Charlton Heston. A number of sports items were also under the hammer including a miniature Ferrari donated by Eddie Irvine, golf items signed by Tiger Woods and a Jack Daniels Fender Squire guitar and amp provided by Bacardi Brown Forman who were the principal sponsors of the evening.