The Foundation returned to Hilton London on Park Lane once again this November, for another fabulous evening of food, music and entertainment. The ball was held in support of the Foundation and of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, which benefited from a grant raised from the funds from last year’s foundation ball with which they renovated children’s rooms in the hospice.
Guests were welcomed to the white and green themed ballroom with a glass of champagne and the chance to have a look at the items that were up for grabs in the silent auction, auction and raffle. They were then officially welcomed to the ball by Chairman of the Foundation’s board of Trustees Simon Vincent OBE, and led in grace by Hilton London on Park Lane General Manager Michael Shepherd.
Guests sat down to a sumptuous meal prepared by the head chef Anthony Marshall and his team, which included a cheese soufflé starter and a chocolate and raspberry parfait to finish, all washed down with some delicious wine. Then compère for the evening Reg Parsons invited guests to take part in Heads and Tails, with the chance of winning a two night trip for two people to the Conrad New York.
After the plates were cleared away, the spectacular laser violinist Lumina dazzled the ball guests with her virtuosic violin playing and laser display. Guest auctioneer and ex-rugby player Matt Poole then opened the bidding on the auction. There were some fantastic items to be won including theatre tickets, an apple watch, restaurant tickets, holidays to the Algarve, Amsterdam and Champagne, and much more.
Once all the items had been auctioned off Michael Shepherd and Foundation Trustee Ramesh Dewan drew the auction. There were some fantastic prizes up for grabs, from a beautiful Fortnum & Mason Hamper, to holidays, beauty products and experiences.
Everyone was entertained in spectacular style by West End star Beverley Knight, who performed a variety of popular hits from her own catalogue and from the shows. After that, ball favourites China Grove returned for another year to the ballroom stage, and guests danced the night away.
Huge thanks go to everyone who contributed to making the Foundation ball such a fabulous success and raising over £360,000 for the Foundation. Special thanks go to Dame Maureen Thomas and the ball committee, our ball sponsors for the second year running McAleer & Rushe, Michael Shepherd and his team at Hilton London on Park Lane, our fantastic group of volunteers, our incredibly generous donors and supporters who provided the fantastic prizes, food, drink, decoration and much more.
