A North East charity is hoping to help hundreds more families affected by autism if a fundraising event goes swimmingly next week.
Daisy Chain, based in Stockton, is the sole beneficiary of this year’s Lobster Charity Ball, which returns to Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield on Friday April 24.
The charity, which helps young people on the autistic spectrum and their families, is already planning how to spend the proceeds from the 10th annual black tie event, which organisers hope will raise thousands of pounds.
John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel, said: “Since its launch 10 years ago the Lobster Charity Ball has raised more than £250,000 for a wide range of good causes, including Daisy Chain.
“We are thrilled to be supporting this unique and worthwhile charity again in 2015 and hope that our attendees will be generous in their support.”
According to Daisy Chain, it costs around £100 to fund one month of activities for a child with autism and £600 to fund a single, Saturday event for 120 people.
In an ideal world, the charity would like to raise around £10,000 to cover the cost of a seasonal care worker to help hundreds more families in the next twelve months or £15,000 to launch a new teenage social club and run it for a year for up to 25 young people.
Kirsty Barnfather, Events Co-ordinator at Daisy Chain, said: “We are thrilled to be the nominated charity once again for the prestigious Lobster Ball at Hardwick Hall Hotel.
“Not only is it an amazing opportunity to raise a fantastic amount of funds for our families, but it’s also a chance for us to raise awareness of autism and the support we are able to provide.
“To have the ongoing support from John Adamson and the team at Hardwick Hall Hotel is invaluable to us, and we appreciate all that they have done for us over the years.”
The Lobster Charity Ball, compered by north-east comedian and TV entertainer, Brendan Healy, will feature entertainment from R&B sensation Jocelyn Brown, group Black and White and big band, Musicians Unlimited.
There will also be a fashion show, along with a four-course lobster surf and turf meal prepared by the award-winning chefs from the Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill.
Tickets for the event, priced at £145+VAT per person, include entry, dinner and selected free drinks throughout the evening, with all proceeds going direct to Daisy Chain.
For more information or to book call the Hardwick Hall Hotel’s events team on 01740 620253 or emailinfo@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk.
More details about Daisy Chain are also available at www.daisychainproject.co.uk