Glittering ball raises much-needed funds for ChildLine
This year’s SPAR-sponsored ChildLine Ball has raised a staggering £76,534 to support the NSPCC’s ChildLine service which helps vulnerable children across Northern Ireland.
The latest fundraising ball on Friday 22 June at Titanic Belfast, attended by almost 400 guests, has helped SPAR raise a total of more than £340,000 for the charity in the last six years.
The money was raised through ticket sales and the auction of prizes including a luxury yachting experience, a trip on the British Pullman Orient Express, a James Bond experience and a specially-commissioned piece of artwork by Jokface, Belfast’s answer to Banksy.
Auctioneer for the evening was sports broadcaster Adrian Logan while the event was compered by radio DJ Pete Snodden. Entertainment was provided by the Leading Ladies and Big Jigs Celtic Band.
Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director of SPAR, said: “Each year this is an amazing event and we are proud to have helped raise such a fantastic amount and grateful to all those who donated such fantastic prizes for auction.
“The success of the ball combined with our additional fundraising for the charity via our company and independently-owned SPAR stores, means we have raised over £600,000? for the charity to date.
“The great news is that all funds raised in Northern Ireland, stay in Northern Ireland to help vulnerable children.”
Claire Quigley, corporate fundraising manager for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: “This year’s ChildLine Ball has surpassed our expectations in these difficult financial times. As always we’re extremely grateful to SPAR for sponsoring the event and all the hard work they put in to help make it a success.
“Big thanks are also due to everyone who bidded for auction items and took part in the raffle on the night – your generosity will make sure that the NSPCC can continue to run its vital services and helplines that are so often a lifeline for vulnerable children and young people in Northern Ireland.”
