Member Article

Lionra holds ball to raise money for charity

A local business group is pulling out all the stops this St Patrick’s day in an attempt to raise cash for a cause close to their heart.

The Lionra Network, a non-profit organisation which promotes North East and Irish businesses, is hosting the highly anticipated Shamrock Ball for a third year running at The Hilton Hotel, Newcastle -Gateshead, to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust.

The Sick Children’s Trust provides free accommodation to hundreds of families across the country who find themselves in traumatic circumstances when their seriously ill children are being treated in hospital. In Newcastle, The Sick Children’s Trust runs two houses as part of their ‘Home from Home’ scheme to support patients at the Freeman Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Maurice Duffy, Lionra’s founder, aims to make this year the most successful fundraising year yet.

Maurice says: “We are now in our third year of the Shamrock Ball and we expect this one to be the biggest yet. We want to give back to the people of Newcastle while making a difference to a local cause.

“The Sick Children’s Trust is a charity that we can help make a difference towards. It costs the charity £28 per night to provide free accommodation to a family staying at their Crawford House or Scott House in Newcastle. Not only does this give them a bed for the night, but families have access to a kitchen and dining area, living area, laundry room and bathroom. The charity gives families who live all over the North East a place to stay when their children are poorly.

“The event is also a great networking opportunity for local business people looking to share knowledge and experience. It is going to be a great night and tickets are still available to buy.”

On the night guests can expect an evening of first class entertainment with a selection of special guests including Geordie comedian Brendan Healy, Britain’s Got Talent’s Irish Dance group Innova, and The Baghdaddies. Guests will enjoy a three course meal, and will be able to participate in auctions and games during the evening.

Tess Milligan, The Sick Children’s Trust North East Regional Fundraiser says: “It’s great to have one of the largest business networks in the North East supporting us. Since our partnership with Lionra, the team have gone above and beyond in an attempt to help us reach our fundraising goals. They’ve helped to provide families in the North East region, and further afield, with a ‘Home from Home’ when their child has been poorly.”

If you would like to purchase tickets for the Shamrock Ball on 14th March, please call 0191 293 1660 or email info@lionra.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Amy Melody .