Smashing crystal records

Words by:
Baron Halpenny
Featured in:
January 2020

The Crystal Charity Ball committee once again smashed their fundraising expectations in 2019 by raising more than £14,000. With additional funds still to come in, the final total is likely to be just shy of an astounding £15,000.

Committee member, Kelly Beba said: “Last year was our best fundraising total and in our wildest dreams we didn’t think we could match that. We are confident that we have surpassed our total once again, which reflects what a good night people had.”

The Crystal Charity Ball started in 2012 after Kelly’s father, Graham Mackman of Holbeach, passed away after a battle against lung cancer. To date the event has now raised around £74,000 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation alone, £79,000 in total.

However, the team didn’t want their hard work and generosity of all those involved to be limited to just one charity this year. After canvassing via their Facebook page, the committee decided to also help a more local charity, Little Miracles, which helps and supports families who have children with additional needs, disabilities and life-limiting conditions. Little Miracles will be receiving an amazing £4,000 from the Crystal Charity Ball this year in addition to funds raised for the Roy Castle Foundation.

Guests seemed once again to really enjoy the evening, packing the dancefloor until the close at 2am. During the night they had been treated to welcome drinks, a three-course meal, chances to win loads of prizes by way of a raffle and games, a live auction, not to mention strutting their stuff to live band Rollacoaster and a disco provided by SN Events.

Committee member, Melanie Coote said: “All in all it was a busy but really enjoyable night. We always get really positive feedback and have already had requests for tables next year.”

The committee, made up of Kelly Beba, Debbie Craft, Melanie Coote and Emma Lambe, worked hard to ensure that all their guests could enjoy the evening. Kelly said: “We really can’t thank our sponsors enough… and of course our most generous guests – everyone involved made it a truly successful evening.”



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