20th anniversary Candlelight Ball raises €27,000 for Western Care
OVER €27,000, the profits from the annual Western Care Valentine’s Candlelight Ball, was distributed to fund 31 projects across Mayo.
The money raised from this highly anticipated and well supported fundraiser – held on February 15 in Breaffy House Hotel - will go towards the purchase of new technology, exercise equipment, sensory equipment and educational resources. Items such as Lego based therapy, waterproof clothing for outdoor pursuits, materials for sensory garden, garden furniture, art and drama classes, iPads, tablets, gym equipment, bicycles and helmets are just some of the equipment purchased from this year’s proceeds.
The Candlelight Ball committee presided over each application and the funding cheques have been distributed to the applicants.
A special programme featuring highlights from the night will be broadcast on Henry McGlade’s iMayo TV on Sky TV 192 tonight, Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. so if you couldn’t come along you can enjoy the glitz and glamour of the night on the small screen; or if you were there, you can reminisce on what a great night it was from the comfort of your own home.
Dara Dunne, chairperson of the Western Care voluntary fundraising committee, said: “I am humbled to be in a position, along with my hard working committee, to distribute the rewards of our work from this year’s fantastic ball. It was a special night where we also celebrated 20 years of the ball.
“Our guest speaker on the night, Mayo All-Star Paddy Durcan, who has a special affiliation to Western Care through his brother Gary, was amazing. His heartfelt words about Western Care ring true for so many families across Mayo and our committee is delighted to be able to add some additional benefits to the everyday lives of so many.
“I’d like to thank anyone who contributed in any way and wish all of our service users every success with their new equipment.”
Dara added: “The grants have been spread right across Mayo, reflecting the reach that Western Care has and the level of support this particular fundraiser receives from people from the four corners of Mayo.”
Dara paid special tribute to the event’s main sponsors, Brendan and Julie Chambers, and all of the businesses from across Mayo without whom the event would not be such a great success.
The highlights of the ball will be broadcast on Sky Channel 192 and Freesat 161 on Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. with a repeat on Saturday, May 2, at 8 p.m., and again on Tuesday, May 5, at 12.30 p.m. The TV programme was sponsored by Sarah Flood, Snap Printing, Castlebar.
The aim of Western Care Association is to empower the people of Mayo who have learning disabilities to live full lives as equal citizens. The grants distributed from the profits of the Candlelight Ball go towards fulfilling this ambition each year.
* Pictured are the 2020 Western Care Association Candlelight Ball fundraising committee with Dara Dunne, chairperson, Teresa Ward, fundraising and development manager, Western Care Association, and Henry McGlade, event MC.