Wakefield-based charity Yorkshire Air Ambulance generates over £52,000 at its first ever fundraising ball
Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is celebrating the success of its brand new fundraising ball, which raised over £52,000.
Held as part of the charity’s 25th anniversary year, ‘A Reyt Good Do – Flat Cap and Feathers Ball’, generated an impressive £52,649 income to help keep the charity’s life-saving helicopters flying.
Held last month at Aspire, in Leeds, the Nostell-based charity welcomed over 250 guests to its first ever fundraising ball, including Patron Sir Geoffrey Boycott, to a standout night of Yorkshire flair, fundraising and celebration.
A lively auction was expertly led by Derek Mathewson, who is part of the popular documentary series ‘Bangers and Cash’, and saw guests bid generously on a range of exclusive prizes.
This included a racehorse owner experience, exclusive brewery visits and the chance to go behind the scenes with Derek at one of his famous auctions, whilst filming for the next series of ‘Bangers and Cash’.
The evening also included a speech from the charity’s chairman, Mike Harrop, who reflected on 25 years of saving lives across Yorkshire and highlighted the importance of continued support.
Kate James, event coordinator at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who helped to organise the event, said, “Planning our first ever fundraising ball was both exciting and a real learning curve, so to see it all come together on the night was incredibly rewarding.
"We’re thrilled that our supporters trusted us with something new, and even more delighted that it raised such a significant total for the charity.”
The event was supported by main sponsors Sovereign Health Care, RBC Brewin Dolphin and Rosemont Pharmaceuticals, whose generosity helped make the night possible.
Kerry Dwyer, director of public fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance said: “Generating over £52,000 in just one night is an extraordinary achievement and a real reflection of the generosity and community spirit that surrounds Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
"Every pound will help us continue delivering urgent, life-saving care to people across the region when they need it most.
"In this 25th anniversary year, this event felt like the perfect way to celebrate our service and the people of Yorkshire who have supported us every step of the way.”