Firecracker Ball breaks £3m barrier for Barnardo’s in Yorkshire

One of the biggest charity events in the region’s calendar took place at Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate last Saturday night and once again Yorkshire dug deep into its pocket.

Early indications show that over £310,000 was raised for Barnardo’s, taking the total raised since the first Firecracker Ball for Barnardo’s in 2002 to £3,127,000.

The Firecracker Ball, which is now in its 18th year supporting Barnardo’s, transported over 700 guests to a seasonal extravaganza in the marquee attached to the hotel.

Phil Taylor, Barnardo’s vice president, announced he is stepping down as chair of the Firecracker Ball committee after 20 years and will hand over the baton to Mark J Nelson, managing director at Commercial Services Design.

Taylor has been on the committee for a total of 28 years and took over as chair in 1999. He will continue to play an active role working alongside Nelson and the committee.

Taylor said: “This is a milestone achievement for the Firecracker Ball and it is thanks to the support and generosity of everybody involved, from those who have helped by donating a prize, buying a ticket or bidding in the auction. Without them we couldn’t help Barnardo’s to change the lives of thousands of children and young people in Yorkshire.

“It has been a pleasure serving as the chair of the Firecracker Ball committee and I’m incredibly proud of all we have achieved to date. I am in no doubt that Mark will continue to make an impact and lead the committee to achieve greater things. I would particularly like to thank our sponsors for their support of the event and businesses in the area who have played a huge part in the charity’s success over the years.”

Highlights of the evening included moving speeches from representatives from Barnardo’s Turnaround Service, to prevent and support recovery from episodes of exploitation and trafficking; an auction of ‘money can’t buy’ prizes, including lots donated by Dame Darcy Bussell, Gabby & Kenny Logan and Christopher Biggins and live performances from The South and The Andy Long Orchestra.

All funds raised on the night will be donated to Barnardo’s in Yorkshire, which each year help almost 14,000 children, young people and their families in over 80 specialised projects in local communities.

Kirsty Guy, senior relationship manager from Barnardo’s, said: “The funds raised are helping to make sure Barnardo’s services across Yorkshire can continue to offer services that are in strong demand by the local community, this year focusing on support for young people leaving care and at risk of homelessness.

“The more money we can raise the more we can help the most vulnerable children overcome their problems and transform their lives, so we are naturally over the moon with the record amount of money that has been raised.”

To find out more about the event visit www.thefirecrackerball.co.uk

Firecracker Ball 2020 will take place on 14 November 2020, but it is never too early to find out how to be a sponsor, donate a prize, or purchase tickets.