Valentine’s Ball raises £500 for the Butterfly Appeal

It was a night to remember for those attending the annual Valentine’s Ball, held at the Southgate Community Centre, in Bury St Edmunds.

For along with a fabulous three-course meal, and entertainment provided by the 10-piece Marrakesh Band, a total of £581.57 was raised from the event which has now been handed over to the My WiSH Charity.

Attended by 60 people they were treated to a glass of champagne on arrival before they sat down to enjoy the evening.

It was the sixth time the event has been held over the years and has helped to raise just under £5,000 in total for a series of campaigns at the West Suffolk Hospital, set up by My WiSH Charity, including the WiSH Upon A Star children’s appeal, Love Your Nodes appeal for the breast unit and the Every Heart Matters cardiac appeal.

This year it was directed towards the Butterfly Appeal which is aimed at raising £340,000 to build a special garden area at the hospital for terminally ill patients so they can spend some of their final days or hours with their loved ones.

Andy Abbott, the chairman of the Southgate Community Partnership which runs the community centre, said the money was raised via ticket sales, a prize raffle and fun games on the night and it was a “fantastic” evening.

He said: “It was such a brilliant night and some of those attending have come to every single one because it’s so good. It’s very much a community event and we raise money for such a good cause.

“It fulfils all the tasks we set out to do for it which includes putting something meaningful on for the local community, is good value for money along with a chance to have a good time while raising money for charity. Everyone has a great time and everyone goes away with a smile on their face, it’s thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyable.”

He said the Marrakesh Band, which rehearses at the community centre, were excellent along with the food provided by Andrea Davey, who runs Elite Cakes and Buffets, and is based in Thurston. She also runs a Sugarcraft Club at the centre.

Andy said: “I’m so pleased that we have been able to run events at the centre for good causes and we had some lovely donations of prizes from local businesses.”

The top prize, a hamper from the East of England Co-op, was won by John Bowtell and his wife Jeanette.

Sally Daniels, My WiSH appeal manager, said: “The Southgate Community Partnership is just amazing. They always get behind our appeals helping raise money and also raising awareness of what we are trying to achieve. Thanks to all involved for hosting another great night”.

Pictured above are people enjoying the Valentine’s Ball at the Southgate Community Centre.