A high-profile charity ball has raised a staggering £135,000 for two leading charities supporting people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth across Northern Ireland.
More than 600 guests attended the black-tie Value Car Parks Waterloo Ball at Shaw’s Bridge in south Belfast, in a major fundraising event staged by Callow Events and hosted by the Shaw’s Bridge Sports Association.
Actor James Martin, Mencap’s ambassador for Northern Ireland, was among those who enjoyed the gala, held on May 24, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of The Lord’s Taverners and the 60th anniversary of Mencap Northern Ireland.
Guests participated in high-energy live and silent auctions, raising a the remarkable £100,000 for Mencap Northern Ireland, with £35,000 allocated to Lord’s Taverners Northern Ireland, a charity focused on empowering young people through sport and recreation.
The evening featured a drinks reception, dinner by local caterer Yellow Door and live performances by the 20-piece Ibiza Orchestra, as well as former Boyzone and Westlife members Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy performing as Boyzlife.
Emma McCausland, CEO of Value Car Parks and a member of Mencap NI’s fundraising committee, said it was an honour to be part of an event that brings the community together in such a powerful and positive way.
“As someone who sits on Mencap NI’s fundraising committee, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact this charity has on families across Northern Ireland,” she said.
Local businesses played a major role in supporting the event, including Value Car Parks, Leslie Hughes, Lunn’s, McConnell’s Distillery, Oasis, GMcG, CRASH Services, Lesley, H&J Martin, Nu Delhi, Bavarian, Luceille Cassidy, Wilson’s Auctions and many others.
Grainne Close, Director Mencap NI, said the funds would allow the organisation to expand summer activity schemes to support over 300 young people with learning disabilities.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity to highlight the critical work Mencap delivers to support people with a learning disability to live the life they choose – to work, play, learn and truly thrive right across Northern Ireland,” she said.