Children’s charity Ride High raised £60,000 at its annual fundraising ball to support its mission to help children in the community.
On Saturday January 25, Ride High embraced the spirit of Burns Night with a ‘Touch of Tartan’ themed charity ball. The evening was attended by 200 guests and the incredible £60,000 raised will fund 37 children to join the charity’s life changing programme in the summer.
With the number of children suffering from mental health challenges in the local area continuing to rise, the money will provide vital funds to help the charity to continue its work in providing a support service for those children who need it most.
The event was held at The Leonardo Hotel, Milton Keynes, providing the perfect venue for a fabulous night of Scottish traditions and entertainment while also shining a light on the charity’s work. Highlights of the evening included Scottish dancing, bagpipes by Sergeant Lokraj Limbu from the Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment to accompany the ‘Address to a haggis’ and a tasting of Scotland’s finest whisky and chocolates. Live music from band XO kept guests dancing well into the night.
An extra special part of the evening came when Katie, an ex-member of Ride High, spoke about how the charity had provided a lifeline during an incredibly challenging time in her life. She spoke of how she had struggled with her mental health and how attending Ride High had provided somewhere she felt safe and at home. Katie’s speech was met with a standing ovation from guests and highlighted how the charity’s work is life changing for young people.
MKFM’s Trevor Marshall compered the evening, and it wouldn’t be a Ride High Ball without the charity’s famous Live Auction. Ride High founder and Patron Rachel Medill MBE auctioned 11 fantastic items – the highlight being the children’s artwork, prepared by Ride High members in their clubroom sessions.
Olivia Sugdon, CEO, said:
“I’d like to thank everyone who supported our charity ball; our title sponsor Sysmex UK, table sponsor Avail Financial Planning, all our guests, volunteers and everyone who kindly donated a prize. They all played an important part in making the evening possible. Their support will enable us to continue our vital work in creating a brighter future for the children we serve in our community.”
The charity would also like to thank Imagine Presentation, Chris Henley Photography, Kate Everall Photography and This is My Film.
For more information about Ride High and how to get involved with upcoming events, visit www.ridehigh.org or contact helen.dixon@ridehigh.org
