Pennine Mencap hail a glittering Celebratory Ball a huge success

A local charity which supports adults with learning disabilities and complex needs has hailed its recent Celebration Ball a huge success.

Pennine Mencap, based at Rhodes Bank Chambers on Union Street, Oldham, staged its third annual ball at Billingtons Oldham.  

The black-tie event featured the chic ambience of the masquerade ball with themed decor dazzling from every inch of the room. 

Guests, volunteers and services users flocked to the charity’s annual celebratory event for the spectacular night where they were able to highlight its valued work.  

Pennine Mencap is a charity that supports and provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs across Greater Manchester.

Meticulous planning had been in place all year to ensure the event was a success. It featured live entertainment, an elegant three-course meal, a highly anticipated raffle, and a live auction.  

The Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, Councillor Eddie Moores and Kath Moores attended the glittering ball and engaged with guests and service users. 

The event was opened with a video featuring many of the service users who talked about their life experiences and how the charity has supported them.

It also helped to set the tone for the fundraising aspect of the evening – highlighting the importance of community donations and support to help keep the service up and running. 

Extraordinary businesses and individuals donated prizes to be auctioned off or to go towards the grand raffle.  

The sought-after prizes ranged from signed memorabilia and meals at Michelin-star restaurants, to a 40-inch smart TV. Guests were eager to be in for the chance at winning these fabulous prizes. 

This excitement and spirit of giving helped raise £13,821 - which a final donor topped up to exactly £14,000.  

This is the most the charity has raised in a single event or campaign since its establishment in 2012. 

Madison Holt from Pennine Mencap said: "After all the dedication devoted to making the Celebration Ball an event to remember, I can confidently say that we succeeded. Being able to be part of this was incredible, seeing guests cheer over raffle wins to dancing the night away together, truly cemented the joy and purpose of these fundraising events."

The charity is already planning a range of community events in the New Year, including a proposed Ladies Day and other themed fundraisers.  

These events help to maintain and raise awareness of the existence and importance of the charity’s provision.