My WiSH and Gatehouse join forces for fundraising event

Two well known charities in Bury St Edmunds are joining forces for a fundraising event next month.

A Charity Ball and Casino Royale Night, which has a James Bond theme, is due to be held at The Athenaeum, in Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday, April 24.

Money raised from the event, which includes a drinks reception and three-course dinner followed by a disco and casino, is being equally split between Gatehouse and My WiSH Charity.

Gatehouse will put the cash towards their Dementia Hub while My WiSH, which supports the work of the West Suffolk Hospital, will direct the money towards their Forget-Me-Not Dementia appeal.

Gatehouse is based in Dettingen Way, Bury St Edmunds, and was started in 1986 with the aim of helping those in material and emotional need throughout West Suffolk. Its services and activities are based in the town and help raise awareness of the causes of social injustice by undertaking voluntary projects in social welfare by providing practical help for disadvantaged families and individuals throughout the area.

The Forget-Me-Not appeal is an initiative which supports people with dementia and helps to make their stay in hospital more comfortable. It has led to the creation of a 100-metre long memory walk at the West Suffolk, featuring iconic local and national images to help patients reminisce and start a conversation. It has also transformed wards, purchased reminiscence machines, calm carts and pays for interactive sessions to improve patients’ wellbeing.

Amanda Bloomfield, the chief executive of Gatehouse, said: “We are looking forward to working with My WiSH on this event. We feel it is important to collaborate with other local charities as we are helping the same clients, with different needs at different times. Last year’s event raised an amount of £5,000 towards our dementia services and we are hoping that this year will be even bigger. We still have some tickets left so come and join us for a great night.”

Sue Smith, head of fundraising at My WiSH Charity echoed Amanda’s words, adding: “It’s great to team up with Gatehouse for this fun charity night. We both care for patients with dementia in West Suffolk and so it made sense to fundraise together to make a difference.”

Tickets for the event, which begins at 6.30pm, cost £50 per person and can be obtained by emailing info@gatehouse.org.uk

Pictured above are Sue Smith, head of fundraising at My WiSH, with Amanda Bloomfield, chief executive of Gatehouse, promoting the fundraising Charity Ball and Casino Royale Night.

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