On Friday 1st December, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust welcomed over 250 guests into a bespoke winter wonderland at the Bank House Hotel in Worcester. After months of preparations and promotion, guests were welcomed with fizz, glitz, and the festive strings of the Capriccio Quartet. An ice queen and king towered over the glamour, gracing the room with their impressive stilt walking skills, quickly becoming prime focus as people mingled and settled into their seats.
Victoria Billings, Trust Chairperson and Jen Kelly, Founder and CEO, offered a warm welcome and introduction to local business owners, supporters, volunteers, and families; there wasn’t a spare seat in the house! The Trust proceeded to premier their official promotional film, kindly produced by media company What’s in Worcestershire.
Following introductions, each table participated in party games ‘It’s a Cracker’, Heads & Tails plus a silent auction, where LOTS included anything from rare film memorabilia to an exclusive private island stay in the Caribbean. Guests also had access to a complimentary glitter bar with eyebrows and beards proving popular throughout the night!
Whilst enjoying a three-course meal, guests were treated to the wonder and magic of Sam Wilson, a local magician who had supported the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust at several events previously. Post dessert, Heart Radio’s Gemma Hill made a sparkling entrance, promising the crowd a thrilling live auction which included gifted prizes from The James Dyson Foundation, Maserati, and West Midlands Safari Park; the auction most definitely delivered some thrills as the bidding wars commenced across the room.
It was amazing to have so many of our supporters attend our Winter Wonderland Ball. With a truly festive atmosphere, fun was had by all, and an amazing sum was raised from the evening. A massive thank you to everyone who attended and to all of the businesses who have supported in making the event a big success.”
Emma Williams, Fundraising and Operations Manager and Event Coordinator
Before guests took to the glitzy dancefloor, local business owners who had signed up to the charity’s Corporate Challenge earlier in the year, were acknowledged and awarded for their efforts to fundraise in the workplace and community. The sought after award, ‘Most Raised’ went to SME Solicitors following their commendable programme of fundraising activities including a couple of bold head shaves.
To catapult the ball into true party o’clock, Worcestershire-based band The Institutions, leapt onto stage with their set list of firm dancefloor favourites, whilst others pouted and posed in the photobooth which had kindly been sponsored by Painters Law LLP. Guests were also invited over to the charity’s display of over 200 prizes to win a guaranteed wonderland gift which included anything from cosmetics to spa days.
Midnight strook, carriages awaited, and guests reluctantly departed the Winter Wonderland with their very own Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Christmas tree decorations in hand as just one memento from the evening.
The Winter Wonderland has raised just over £26,000 for the Trust. This significant sum will enable the charity to continue providing financial, practical, and emotional support for families facing childhood cancer. Funds generated will also help cover costs for the printing and distribution of their diagnosis and awareness publications which are distributed nationally.
Our Winter Wonderland Ball was a spectacular event, and it was wonderful to invite so many of our supporters to celebrate all that the Trust has achieved to date. We were privileged to be joined by several of the families that we have helped support. I would like to say a big thank you to all our event sponsors and to everyone who has supported us in any way.”
Dr Jen Kelly, Founder & CEO
Headline sponsors of the event included Custom Heat, Lucart Hygiene and the Square Metre Group with supporting event sponsors: The Wedding House, Thursfields and Painters Law LLP. Venue supported by The Bank House Hotel.
