The 8th Sparkle & Shine Ball, held this year in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), took place at the Cambridge City Hotel and was attended by 138 representatives from city centre businesses.
As well as food and music there was a charity auction that raised £4000 for the charity, which helps support families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. The funds raised will be used to pay for the services and care EACH provides in a day across Cambridgeshire, both at their Milton hospice, at families’ homes and in the community. The ball was organised by Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), which is a collaboration of more than 1,000 businesses working together to promote and improve the city centre.
Cambridge BID Chairman Ian Sandison said: “We are proud to have chosen EACH as our charity for 2015-16. Last night’s Ball kick-starts a year of Cambridge BID fundraising activities on behalf of the charity. For example our sponsorship of the North Pole Ice Rink on Parker’s Piece will result in a percentage of ticket sales from the launch event being donated to EACH.”
Karen Newton, EACH Cambridgeshire Fundraising Manager, said: “We are thrilled that Cambridge BID has chosen to support us through their annual charity ball. The amount raised on the evening is fantastic and will go towards funding EACH’s work caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and supporting their families. Without the generous support of local businesses and people we would be unable to continue to provide these vital services.”