Local charity Children First Derby celebrated the successful return of its annual Charity Spring Ball, held on 26th March 2022 at Morley Hayes Derby, which raised over £8,000 to help support local vulnerable children, young people, and families.
The sold-out Charity Spring Ball 2022, sponsored by East Midlands law firm, Smith Partnership, was well attended by prominent local business leaders – many of whom donated generous prizes for the live and silent fundraising auctions which were held during the event.
“We’re delighted to see the return of our popular Charity Spring Ball and to have received such fantastic support from the local business community,” said Children First Derby CEO, Irshad Baqui.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that this year’s ball has raised an incredible £8,000 and we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone here for your support this evening, and to all those who have generously donated auction prizes to help support this event.
“Your efforts are greatly appreciated, enabling us to provide continued support to local vulnerable children, young people and families.”
The event saw guest speaker, Joshua Ryan, chair of Children First Derby Youth Forum, deliver an inspirational speech about his previous struggles with mental health, and the challenges he continues to face.
In the heartfelt speech, Joshua detailed how the charity’s ongoing support had proved instrumental in helping him move forward positively with his life and how valuable the support continues to be.
As part of the event, guests enjoyed a three-course evening meal, served in Morley Haye’s Pavilion Suite, and were treated to entertainment from award winning magicians Ian Barradell, and Bernie Pedley.
Long-standing supporter of Children First Derby, and director of Merchant’s Jewellers, Karim Merchant, proved to be an excellent auctioneer for the charity’s live auction. Supported by fellow director, Tanita, the dynamic duo enthused guests, helping to drive auction prizes up and increasing the total amount of funds raised.
In addition to the live and silent auction prizes available on the evening, the charity had previously secured some signed Derby County Football items as auction prizes, including a pair of custom-made signed football boots from England and Manchester United record goal scorer, and current manager of Derby County Football Club, Wayne Rooney.
Some of these coveted, signed Derby County items were auctioned via the charity’s eBay account in the lead up to the Spring Ball – with Rooney’s boots fetching a winning bid of £620. And the total amount raised by the DCFC items amassed £2,000 towards the overall fundraising initiative.
The event concluded with live music performed by 5-piece Band, The Soul Council.
