On Saturday 12th October 2019, 300 people enjoyed a fabulous evening at the Pathways 4 All 9th Charity Ball, which was held at the Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park.
The theme of the ball was ‘Masquerade’ and guests were greeted at the entrance by a masked stilt walker and two smartly dressed ushers.  Walking into the main reception area, two beautiful peacock statues and an elegant lady peacock performer, provided guests with an air sophistication from the onset.  Guests were presented with a sparkling welcome drink whilst watching the preliminary entertainment; an rendition of the Phantom of the Opera.
Upon entering the main dining area, the room was beautifully laid out with seating for 300.  Each table featured a bird shaped table decoration, which was available as a prize in a lucky table draw.   Once all the guests were seated, an array of balloons could be seen in every corner of the room, providing one lucky winner with a hidden prize ticket for a diamond necklace.  To the rear of the room, a collection of silent auction prizes were displayed, which included, bottle hampers, some beautiful photographs and paintings, plus a framed England shirt signed by local legend Alan Shearer.
The entertainment started with five dancers suitable costumed for a ball set in the 1890’s, gracefully performing to a classic dance hit from the 1990’s.  The high standard of performances continued with ballerina swans, violinists, an illuminated display and even a guest appearance from our Patron’s alter-ego Miss Rory.  A delicious 3 course meal was followed by the main fundraising event of the evening, the charity auction.   As always, there were some amazing prizes for the guests to bid upon including; a Corporate Box for a future Race Day at Gosforth Park Races; a Newcastle United Hospitality Package; a Weekend Aston Martin Experience; a Luxury Golf Retreat; Oil Paintings, plus several other desirable prizes.
There were also two extra special auction prizes worthy of individual mention:  Our most unique auction prize of the evening was our ‘Priceless Art’, this year featuring a handmade wooden spoon model of a Peacock, lovingly arranged and painted by some of the children and young people who attend the Tim Lamb Centre.  This one item fetched an amazing £2000.
Our final auction piece of the evening was our ‘Ball that Bounced Back’.  The football, originally purchased for £3.00 and then placed into a transparent display box, is available ‘on loan’ to one lucky bidder until our next charity ball.  This same ball has featured at each of our charity balls and is re-auctioned every year.  Despite it’s meager price tag, this ball never fails to raise the most money.  We are delighted to reveal that this year the ball fetched an astonishing £30,000 and has returned home again with it’s previous owners, who could not bare to be parted from this most treasured auction prize ever!
Once all the charitable formalities were completed, guests danced the night away.  Overall our 9th charity ball was an outstanding fundraising success, raising £50,198.  We really can’t wait for next year!!!
Save the Date… Saturday 10th October 2020.  Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park.