THE INK is still fresh on beneficiaries’ cheques but Charity Ball organisers are already looking for new causes to support next year.

The committee is calling for community groups to throw their hat in to the ring and apply for a much-needed cash boost.

2016 was a record-breaking year for the Charity Ball, which raised an unprecedented £52,000 for ten worthy organisations including the Olive Tree Café, Swindon 105.5, Swindon Dial a Ride and Headway Swindon and District.

This time around organisers are hoping even more will be raised for local causes.

“It all goes to the people of Swindon, which is what makes the Charity Ball unique,” said new chairman Adam Flint. “You see what a difference it makes to the way the charities operate, how it changes lives and it’s so rewarding.”

Now in its 29th year, the event founded by the Rotary Club of Swindon and the Swindon Advertiser, has raised a remarkable £770,000 for more than 50 local charities. Next year’s ball will be held on Saturday, May 13 at the Marriott Hotel. In the run up to it, the team will organise a series of fundraisers including a golf day on Friday, March 31.

Last year charities received grants ranging from £1,500 to £10,000.

The Olive Tree Cafe was awarded £3,300 towards a new oven.

As for Dial a Ride it was handed a cheque for £10,000 while Headway Swindon, which supports people affected by brain injury, was awarded £1,750 to create a quiet area at its new Dorcan headquarters.

“Many of our members suffer from anxiety, fatigue or depression following their brain injury and often need to lie down if they are feeling distressed or unwell,” said Headway centre manager Jane Weston.

“Thanks to the generosity of the event organisers and supporters, our vision of creating a quiet area in our new building at The Dorcan Complex can now be realised.”

The Charity Ball will only accept applications for specific improvement or outreach projects, not salaries or day-to-day running costs.

Application forms can be requested from Charity Ball secretary Sue Harding at susanjharding@btinternet.com or on 01793 813147 or printed off from here.  All completed forms should be returned to the same email address or posted to Sue Harding, 23 Edgar Row Close, Wroughton, SN4 9LR by November 10. For more information go to the Swindon Charity Rotary Ball Facebook page.

Click here for application form

Charity Ball Form.pdf