Children’s bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow will be celebrating another major milestone in October when it hosts a glittering ball to mark its fifteenth anniversary.
The Golden Ticket Ball, which will embrace all the delights of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory, will be held at the Leonardo Hotel in Milton Keynes on October 3.
The fun starts at 6pm with a Fizzy Lifting Drinks Reception, followed by a Gobstopper Gourmet experience in the shape of a three-course meal. Throughout the evening there will be spectacular entertainment, including a Wonkalicious live band and an everlasting chocolate fountain. Guests will leave via the Great Glass Elevator at midnight.
The charity was set up in memory of Harry Mould, who died aged just five years old in 2009. Founded by Harry’s family, the organisation works with children who have lost a parent or sibling and organises groups and activities to help relieve isolation and loneliness and offer guidance and support.
Groups covering a range of ages provide friendship and support alongside trips and activities, short breaks and mentoring, and the charity also provides resources for families, schools and organisations, as well as memory boxes.
Since its inception, Harry’s Rainbow has helped more than 1,000 grieving children from across Milton Keynes and wider area. Fundraising events are held throughout the year, including the charity’s Colour Run and Fire Walk, and participation in the MK Festival of Running. Local businesses, individuals and organisations also support the charity with donations, stepping up with sponsorship, and organising fundraising activities.
Harry’s mother and charity founder Odette Mould MBE, said: “The Harry’s Rainbow Charity Ball is held every five years and is a fantastic evening where we get the chance to bring together all those who support us and celebrate how far we have come.
“It’s a chance to hear some of the stories of how we’ve helped children dealing with the loss of a loved one, but also to have some fun and celebrate what we have been able to achieve over the years.”
A Wonka Table for 10 people will cost £1,400, which includes the drinks reception, three-course meal, champagne and wine on the table, premium positioning and a quarter-page advert in the event programme. The Charlie Bucket table is priced at £1,000 and includes drinks reception, dinner and wine on the table. Individual tickets are also available to buy at £100.
Alison Johnson, Fundraising and Events Manager at Harry’s Rainbow, said: “We’re busy fundraising throughout the year and have so many people who support us to be in a position to help any family or child in our community who turns to us for help. It costs us £650 per year to help each child and we have hundreds registered with us, all looking for help and support.
“The Charity Ball is a fantastic way to raise awareness, raise some money and have a fantastic fun night when everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. It’s an amazing way to celebrate our fifteeenth anniversary, so we’re looking forward to seeing everyone there.”
To find out more about the Golden Ticket Ball and how to book tickets, visit the Harry’s Rainbow website.
