Last updated: Wednesday, 21st February 2024
On Friday, 16th February 270 elegantly dressed supporters dusted off their dancing shoes and enjoyed an evening of glitz, glamour and giving with St Margaret’s Hospice Charity Ball.
Following a delicious three-course meal at Taunton School, the perfect scene for an extraordinary evening, raffle winners were delighted as they collected bespoke hampers, bottles of fizz and a huge TV! Guests were also encouraged to bid on a range of auction prizes donated by local businesses and supporters including Exeter Chiefs tickets, a Mulberry handbag, and a two-week luxury all-inclusive holiday to Antigua.
As Greenslade Taylor Hunt Auctioneer, Jamie Batt bought the hammer down on the last auction lot, reaching an incredible total of £22,000 of fundraising for the night, the dance floor came alive as local sensation, ‘Haus Band’ took centre stage. Delivering a fun performance of hits from across the decades, guests were quick to hit the dance floor to show off their moves!
Lynda Edwards, whose husband David was supported by St Margaret’s as he reached the end of his life, attended the ball with her son, William (pictured below with the hospice’s CEO James Rimmer) and described the event as ‘a roaring success’.
“This event was a bright star on the social calendar for Taunton,” Lynda said. “The food was absolutely delicious, and the venue was beautiful, it was like being at a Gatsbyesque party! It was wonderful to see all of the guests dressed to impress and see how much they appreciated the amazing work the hospice does, it was a great experience.”
Sponsored by Nuffield Health & Turnbull Infrastructure and Utilities Ltd, St Margaret’s Charity Ball raised £22,000 which could pay for over 300 for patients being cared for at home in Somerset, ensuring patients get the vital support they need, when they need it. The money raised really does make a massive difference.
Kerry Baillie, Community Partnerships Manager at St Margaret’s expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support for the event stating, “This year’s Charity Ball was a wonderful success not only in terms of the funds raised but the shared sense of purpose and community spirit that filled the room.
“The £22,000 generously donated by our supporters will enable us to continue to provide vital care and support to people across Somerset, whenever they need it, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this a night to remember.”
The Charity Ball will be back in 2025 as the hospice celebrates its 45th anniversary. For ways to get involved, from sponsoring the ball, to donating items or getting your booking in early to reserve your table, contact charityball@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk.
Click here to see our 2024 Charity Ball photos