High profile names donate to help raise funds for cancelled Firecracker Ball

The Firecracker Ball, which was due to take place tomorrow – Saturday 14 November 2020 – at Rudding Park in Harrogate, was cancelled due to Coronavirus.

However, the auction which normally raises hundreds of thousands of pounds on the evening will still go ahead and is now live online until 10pm tomorrow night.

Generous supporters from the world of entertainment, business, sport and beyond have united to donate a variety of exclusive items and once-in-a-lifetime auction prize opportunities in support of Barnardo’s.

Fay Ripley, Hermione Norris, Alan Brazil, and the Great British trap shooters team are among the celebrities offering personalised prizes.

A lucky bidder will have the chance to experience virtual afternoon tea with Fay Ripley & Hermione Norris.

Adhering to coronavirus restrictions this prize will bring the Cold Feet stars to your own home via the powers of Zoom for afternoon tea and a chit chat. Afternoon tea will be despatched to all participants to enjoy during your time together.

Sport fans will have an array of prizes to bid for including signed sporting memorabilia, and a Ferrari driving experience in Italy.

This prize includes a two-night stay in a suite at the Maranello Village Hotel, the only Ferrari-theme hotel and residence in the world.

Also up for grabs is a luxury watchmaker and private Michelin star dining experience in London, a private plane to Ischgl staying in the famous Madlein Hotel, VIP tickets to Royal Ascot and Henley Royal Regatta, a Satellite Rose Pendant by award-winning designer, Andrew Geoghegan and a bespoke Sonata London silk dress.

There are other luxury items, art experiences, sporting, dining experiences and glamping weekends, plus lots more.

Now in its 18th year supporting Barnardo’s, last year the Firecracker Ball event raised £250,000, taking the total raised for the charity to over £3m that Barnardo’s has used to continue its work of reaching out to vulnerable children.

Kirsty Guy, senior relationship manager, from Barnardo’s said: “The Firecracker Ball is one of the most significant events in the Yorkshire social calendar helping to change the lives of thousands of children and young people across Yorkshire.

“But, like with all charities, coronavirus has had a massive impact on fundraising activity this year.

“As the pandemic continues, Barnardo’s is expecting to see more young people and families needing help. We anticipate demand for services  to increase and we need donations now more than ever.”

New chairman of the Firecracker Ball committee, Mark J Nelson, said: “We are saddened that, for the first time in 18 years, we won’t be able to host the Firecracker Ball.

“Whilst we can’t go ahead with an event this year, we hope the online auction will still raise money that can really make a difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people across Yorkshire.

“We’re grateful to anyone who can support, and no donation is too small because it all ensures Barnardo’s can continue providing crucial care to vulnerable young people.

“We would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

The auction site is live at www.firecrackerauction.com and people can view the virtual brochure here https://portal.bid-ingroup.com/WebBidInApp/FBF1D113-DC99-4C0F-9D7F-A77C7164A692/auction

The auction will be live until 10pm tomorrow.

The Firecracker Ball committee has also set up a Just Giving site for anyone wishing to make a direct donation at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/firecracker2020.

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