News

I’ve got a golden ticket – to this year’s Emerald Ball!

main-sponsors-flakt-woodsThe Emerald Ball, one of Colchester’s most well-loved fundraising events raised £3,213 for 2013.

It was held at firstsite on Saturday, 16 November with over 150 in attendance and a Willy-Wonka style infusion of sweet candy-inspired decorations and entertainment.

Chairwoman Katie Skingle says: “Every year we add more value to the evening making it a fun-filled social occasion and all for a very worthy local cause. We are grateful to our two main sponsor’s firstsite and Flakt Woods, as well as all our regular contributors and donators of prizes and auction items. John Cameron, Head of Child Protection and Services spoke this year on behalf of the NSPCC and he moved people to tears with information on the calls from children that were coming in right there and then within the Essex area. The night also saw great fun and merriment with dancing to the legendary sounds of Soul Kitchen and gambling thrills from Diamond Fun Casinos. Another great event in aid of local children – here’s to lucky year 7 in 2014!’

Wayne Warner, firstsite’s Commercial Director said, “We were delighted to welcome back the Emerald Ball this year to firstsite. Year on Year this event helps raise significant funds to support the work of the NSPCC and local children and we are proud to be sponsoring and supporting the good work of Colchester NSPCC Business Group for a second year”.

Allan Hurdle, Managing Director of Flakt Wood said, “It was our pleasure to sponsor this well-known and favourite charity event and to work with the Colchester NSPCC Business Group which is run as a way of reaching out to local businesses to help local children. All the money raised goes directly to the Colchester branch of the NSPCC to support their work to end cruelty to children.

This year the monies will enable counselors to go into Colchester schools and aid children being bullied and learn of services on offer to them if they have problems at home.”

For more information on the Emerald Ball 2014 sponsorship packages or other Colchester NSPCC Business Group fundraising events please call KAT Marketing on 01206 765544 or email contactus@katmarketing.co.uk

Emerald Ball post event release 2011

NEWS RELEASE: 14th November 2010

NSPCC Emerald ball glittering success
Local children will benefit from £8,831.25 raised

Colchester biggest annual fundraising Ball was again a resounding success raising £8,831.25p for local abused children.

The NSPCC Business Group’s Emerald Ball, now in its fourth year, was held on Saturday 12th November at new Essex venue Firstsite with over 150 in attendance.

A charming display from children at The LR school of Dance kick-started the evening’s activities which went on to host a spectacular array of entertainment including fun casino tables and 5-piece band Funkification playing up to date chart hits through to soulful classics.

Stewart White of BBC Look East was guest of honour for the evening and helped raise more money in the auction alone than in any other year.

Stewart said, “’Anybody who was there will tell you it was a great night out. but the most important thing was that we raised so much money for such a good cause. To everybody who organised the event, or donated prizes, a big thank you”

Katie Skingle, Chairwoman for the Colchester NSPCC Business Group, said, “It was another wonderful evening made possible by our sponsors Scrutton Bland, KJB electrical and AKA Insurance. As always, I’m eternally grateful to my fellow committee members for their huge efforts and never-ending dedication. Every year we hand over a bigger cheque to the Colchester NSPCC projects than the previous year and 2011 is no exception. Firstsite is an amazing venue and they have consistently been helpful throughout, enabling us to deliver another outstanding event. We have big plans for next year as it will be our fifth anniversary of this event. Watch this space!”

The auction highlights included a Celebrity Garden design by Sven Wombwell, Aston Martin hire weekend by The Highlife Group, Ipad 2 donated by Clarke Infinity and – the highest bid of the evening – England v Wales Twickenham tickets.

The NSPCC’s Head of Childline School services Lee Mitchell said, “We’re so pleased to have such a fantastic group of supporters in the form of The Colchester NSPCC Business Group who have raised such wonderful sums to support the vital work of the NSPCC. They are inspiring in their commitment and work ethic.”

To volunteer your support for the group or any of its fundraising activities please contact Katie Skingle on 01206 765544.