GOOD causes are lining up to reap the rewards from Swindon’s Charity Ball – but there is still time for groups to benefit from the 25th anniversary year.
Founded by the Rotary Club of Swindon, the event, held at the Marriott in Old Town, has to date raised £640,000 for more than 50 local charities, with donations ranging from £1,000 to £49,000.
Over the years the ball has enjoyed the support of many local businesses including Zurich, Nationwide and npower, as well as Deacons the Jewellers, the Marriot and the Adver.
Tim Hanley, this year’s chairman of the ball’s organising committee, said: “It is this support, together with everyone who gives of their time so freely, that ensures the continuity and success of the charity ball.
“Achieving the milestone of 25 years of such wonderful fundraising for local charities and organisations is something that Swindon should be justly proud of and we want to celebrate this with a spectacular anniversary Charity Ball in 2013.”
The event has been titled The Glitter Ball and will take place on May 11.
This year it is seeking to particularly raise money for local children’s charities, and work across a wide range of areas will be considered.
Applications are rolling in but there is still time for more before this year’s beneficiaries are chosen. The deadline is Monday.
Last year a Las Vegas-themed night raised money for Swindon Women’s Refuge, Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon, the North Wilts Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis. The bash saw the guests swaying to the sounds of the West End’s Rat Pack band.
But this year’s event will feature a big surprise which is being kept under wraps by the organisers.
The charity ball only donates money to specific projects and capital expenditure and not to posts or operational costs.
To benefit from this year’s ball, fill in the form printed in Saturday's Adver and send it to: Sue Harding, Secretary, Charity Ball Committee, 23 Edgar Row Close, Wroughton, near Swindon, SN4 9LR or email susanjharding@btinternet.com
The deadline for applications is Monday, January 14, 2013.
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