County Macmillan committees share joy after fundraising ball bags £27k

This time, working as a team, the charity supporters jointly raised a massive £27,000.

Billed as the highlight of the Northants social calendar, the Macmillan Northamptonshire County Ball was the brainchild of the Northampton and Wellingborough & Rushden Macmillan fundraising committees, who decided to join forces and raise as much money as possible for people affected by cancer in Northamptonshire.

Hosted by Wicksteed Park in March and attracting more than 300 guests from as far afield as London and beyond, the inaugural ball was a complete sell-out.

Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Northants, Ellen Finn said: “To sell so many tickets and to raise nearly £30,000 is incredible, especially when it was the first event of its kind organised by the committees.

“Its success is a real credit to both committees for coming together.

“Together the Northampton and Wellingborough & Rushden committees have raised more than £1.8m for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Ellen added: “This is a staggering amount of money and I am extremely proud to have the pleasure of working alongside them.”

Yvonne Rose, chair of The Macmillan Northamptonshire County Ball Committee, said: “When the ball committee first discussed the viability of organising such an event, it was hoped it would raise between £10,000 and £15,000.

“However, through the generosity of local sponsors and a very positive response from the public in purchasing tickets, the target was exceeded and almost £27,000 was raised, with donations still arriving.

“Well over 300 people attended the black tie event, enjoying a four course meal, live band and disco, casino and silent auction and with the extremely positive feedback given, the committee are pleased to announce that this will now become a two-yearly event with the Ball of 2019 being an even bigger and better event.”

To support Macmillan Cancer Support, which relies on donations, contact Ellen Finn via email [email protected]