We are helping children!

Colchester’s NSPCC Business Group is made up of  11 companies which care about children and their welfare. The group was formed when the town branch of the UK’s biggest children’s charity needed money for local projects.

The business group’s first Emerald Ball was in 2008 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, the home of Colchester United. Organiser Katie Skingle of Kat Creativ PR said: “It was a huge success and everyone had great fun. We were all delighted to see the response from other business people in Colchester. There were more than 200 people at the ball and we were able to hand over a cheque for £5,730.”

2009 was brilliant, too. The ball was hosted by Sam Vangeen of Heart FM, and more than £4,000 being raised at the Stoke-by-Nayland Club. Attractions included stilt-walkers, lookalikes, fire-breathers and a charity auction run by Peter Sleigh, Colchester United’s stadium announcer.

The 2010 was at the Moot Hall, on the top floor of Colchester town hall, and raised a staggering £6,598.

The 2011 Ball  took place at Firstsite and raised an amazing £8,831.25  Stewart White of BBC Look East was the guest auctioneer on the night, which was a complete sell out.

The 2012 Ball will be the 5th Anniversary Ball and therefore held at Weston Homes Community Stadium as was the 1st Emerald Ball.  The date is to be confirmed but as usual it will be held in November.  Tickets are available now at £75 per ticket and there are a few sponsorship opportunities available.   If you are a local business that would like to get involved then contact Katie or Clare on 01206 765544.

The business group is also organising other events in 2012 so please bookmark the events page so that you can keep up-to-date with the fundraising events.

Katie said: “The last five years have been superb. I want to thank every one of my friends in the business community for caring enough to give their time and money.  Money raised has already helped the Essex Young Witness Project, a service provided by the NSPCC to children having to appear in court. Very often children are scared, confused and – without the support of the NSPCC – completely alone.  Help the business group fund the witness project so that it can help more children … join the business group or come to the ball”