MORE than 200 guests stepped back in time to the roaring 1920s for Willow Wood Hospice’s Glitz Gala Ball.
Held at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne, the glittering event has helped to raise over £30,000 in support of patient care at the Hospice.
The venue was transformed into a dazzling 1920s scene, thanks to the creative vision of Denton-based agency Visual Architects, who provided the stunning themed décor.
Guests embraced the glamour of the era, donning tuxedos and flapper dresses as they enjoyed a night of vintage style last Friday (October 17).
Attendees were treated to welcome drinks and a three-course meal, before dancing the night away to live music from the band Schwing. The compere for the evening was Tameside Radio DJ Cameron Kennedy.
The night began with a light-hearted Stand Up for Willow Wood fundraiser, where guests could purchase a fan or trilby for the chance to win a selection of celebrity wines and champagne.
In her welcome speech, Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull spoke passionately about the importance of community support.
“Much like the 1920s, we’re making every penny count,” she told the audience. “But truth be told, it’s our community – not the coffers – that keeps us going. Times are tough, costs are rising, but thanks to your fundraising and generosity, we’re still here, delivering care with dignity and you are the heartbeat of the Hospice.”
A raffle, auction and silent auction – featuring an array of fabulous prizes – boosted the funds even further.
Headline sponsors for the event for the second consecutive year were Scientific Sanitation Solutions, an Ashton-under-Lyne business developing innovations in sanitation and agriculture. Other sponsors included Gerard McDermott KC, Sofology, Manchester City Football Club, Bamford Print, FGH Security and Vivienne Westwood Limited.
Students from Tameside College lent a helping hand on the night, assisting guests in the cloakroom.
Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “The Ball is always a highlight of our fundraising calendar, and this year’s 1920s theme brought so much sparkle and energy. Keep an eye out for details of the exciting events we have planned in the run-up to Christmas.”
Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “It was a wonderful night but the moment that stood out for me was when we showed a video sharing the story of a family we’ve supported – which perfectly and poignantly captured why supporting hospice care is so important. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, or contributed in any way to the event, to help raise vital funds towards patient care.”
Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, is a local charity providing specialist, compassionate and dignified care for patients across Tameside and Glossop living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting those closest to them.
The Hospice is not part of the NHS and receives only a quarter of its annual funding from the Government, meaning it relies heavily on the community’s generosity – through donations, fundraising, volunteering, shopping in its eight charity shops, playing the weekly lottery, or leaving a Gift in a Will.