Charity Ball raises £8,000 for Luke and Marcus Trust

The annual Dewsbury Charity Ball, which was held at the Town Hall on March 8, raised £8,015.05 for the Luke and Marcus Trust.

More than 150 people attended the event, which included a three-course dinner and music from local duo Jacques and Rachel Warlop, and pianist Stephen Parker.

Andrew Hutchinson, Dewsbury Charity Ball treasurer, said: “It was our best event yet and as usual, was completely sold out. We were really pleased at the amount of money that was raised on the raffle and charity auction, during the event. It goes to show that even though we are still in a recession and we are feeling the effects of the cuts, people will dig deep into their pockets to help worthy causes.

“I’d like to thank all those who attended and those generous people who contributed raffle prizes and auction lots, some of which were sold for above their retail prices to very enthusiastic bidders.”

Money was raised through ticket sales, a raffle and a charity auction. The event was also supported by the Dewsbury branch of Barclays.

The Luke and Marcus Trust was founded by Marilyn Shaw and Susan Garner in 2005.

Having both lost their sons to drug addiction, the pair set up the Trust to help others in the same situation and campaign nationally.

Next year, the ball will be in aid of the Options centre, George Street, Dewsbury, which is run by PHAB and provides facilities and activities for local people with mental and physical disabilities.

Mr Hutchinson added: “We already have reservations for several tables and are expecting another sell out event.”