By FORGET the Met Gala – celebrities may have flocked in their droves to the New York City’s world-famous Metropolitan Museum, last May, but that wasn’t where the real stars of 2019 would be …
For one night only, Grimsby’s very own St Andrew’s Hospice will be hosting the party of all parties, the event of all events, the glittering soiree of the century … yes, it is the charity’s 40th anniversary Ruby Ball!
Since 1979, St Andrew’s Hospice has provided outstanding palliative care to people across North East Lincolnshire and beyond. The name has become synonymous with quality and the staff’s personal approach to the support of their patients is much lauded by those who have experienced the care first hand.
Of course, the hospice and the services it offers today wouldn’t have been possible without the support of volunteers and members of the community. The time and funds gifted to St Andrew’s during the last four decades have allowed it thrive and morph from a one-day-a-week drop-in to the fantastic facility it is, more than 40 years on.
On Friday, September 27, the ballroom of the Humber Royal Hotel, Grimsby, will become a glittering, ruby-coloured wonder, ready to entertain people from far and wide. Starting at 7pm, guests will be treated to a drink on arrival, a classical ensemble, a three-course meal and music from the fabulous local group The Rumble Band. There will also be a photo booth, a raffle and a ‘silent auction’. For party-goers wanting to spend the night, discounted Humber Royal room rates are currently available.
Part of the organising team, Becky Darnell, said of the event: “We wanted to celebrate the 40th anniversary in fine style, and make it a night to remember loved ones. It will be a memorable night of celebrations when we can honour the great work of the hospice.
“We receive so much support from people, as we have throughout the last 40 years, that we thought it would be a nice idea, and a lovely way to celebrate this wonderful milestone. Many of our supporters put on events to raise cash for the hospice, so now it is our turn!”
In addition to individuals, couples and group bookings, at £49.50 per person, corporate packages are available, some of which include branded tables. The ‘Corporate Package’ costs £795 and includes table sponsorship, 10 tickets, a wine package, 10 anniversary pin badges, 10 limited edition 40th anniversary coffee table books, a commemorative, framed certificate which has been designed and painted by Andy’s children, and 40 hand-painted corporate Christmas cards.
Perhaps you wish to go a step further and show your support as a ’40th Anniversary Platinum Ambassador’? This package includes table sponsorship, 10 tickets, two bottles of champagne on the table, a wine package, 10 anniversary pin badges, 10 limited edition 40th anniversary coffee table books, a commemorative, framed certificate which has been designed and painted by Andy’s children, 40 hand-painted corporate Christmas cards and a full page, prime advertisement within the 40th anniversary book. You can also choose your table with this package, which costs £4,000. The idea behind the ambassador package is for your company to pledge £2,500 of the full amount, raising the funds before April 2020.
Deputy chief Lesley Charlesworth Browne continued: “The event is the pinnacle of our year-long celebrations and it’s something to look forward to as the seasons change. What would be a nice idea would be for guests to try to find outfits in our St Andrew’s shops. With 20 in total to browse, there’s certain to be something fabulous for you to wear to the ball!
“Of course, before then we have the launch of our 40th anniversary book, which focuses on Grimsby, the people who have supported us over the years and the story of the hospice. We will be launching the book in July and it will be available to buy at the ball, as will specially designed, ruby commemorative pins.
“Before the ball, we also have quiz and bingo nights, skydives and the annual motorbike run, where bikers ride out from Willingham Woods en masse, to make money for the hospice. There is plenty more to take part in before we reach September, but make sure you book your tickets to the Ruby Ball as soon as you can as you won’t want to miss out – it is already proving to be very popular!”
The ball is guaranteed to be a fantastic night for all and certainly one you won’t forget in a hurry. Make your own special memories as you mingle with friends or enjoy a feast of food and entertainment with a loved one, all while raising funds for this worthwhile cause. Or, for the more daring, who says Lady Gaga is the only one who can make an entrance? The songstress made a much talked about entrance to this year’s Met Gala, arriving in a voluminous, pink coat creation before peeling off the layers to reveal no less than three more outfits! Anyone game for such an entrance to the 2019 Ruby Ball? Have a think about it …
For tickets or corporate bookings, call 01472 571261. For corporate only, email Becky at: becky.darnell@nhs.net. For more about St Andrew’s Hospice, forthcoming events and Andy’s children’s unit, see www.standrewshospice.com
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