WE HAD A BALL!

Friday 22nd September 2023 marked our first big fundraiser since before the Covid Pandemic. For the occasion, everyone who attended our Green Tie Ball went all out to wear our colour, GREEN, while raising an unbelievable £31,692 for Inspire Youth Zone, which will help young people to develop new skills and socialise in a safe, positive and accessible environment.

The event, sponsored by One Stop Hire, was held at Shaw Hill Golf Resort and Spa Hotel, Whittle-le-Woods and was attended by more than 140 guests from the local business community. The evening began with a drinks reception kindly sponsored by CG Professionals while guests enjoyed being greeted by the very talented Saxophone Player, Dan Brennan and Band, The Frequency courtesy of S&S Northern Ltd. We were also kindly donated a cupcake for each guest by Ruth Poar at Eat My Logo.

J McRobb High Class Family Butchers provided impressive, top quality meat for our mains as part of our 3 course dinner, while our very own member Izzy Donnelly, aged 11, sang a selection of songs. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” Janine Blythe, Chief Executive of Inspire Youth Zone said. “Her courage was truly inspirational.“
 
We followed with our Auction being hosted by Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a passionate supporter of Inspire, and our very own, Jennifer Taylor, Philanthropy Manager, who also donated to the auction. A very special thank you to the following people who donated to the auction, who without your generosity, we would not have been able to raise what we did. Stotts Opticians, Together Money, Manchester United Foundation, Carrington Textiles, GA Pet Food, Chorley Group, Woodland Clay, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Andrew Mikhail, Nigel Clare, Martin Bailey, Janine Blythe and Jennifer Taylor.
 
We would also like to thank some amazing people that, although could not attend, still wanted to show their support to the ball… Brendan Ainscough, Bill Holroyd, Ian Appleton and Andrew Mikhail. We’re so proud to be affiliated with such incredible people. 
 

With running and delivery costs at Inspire Youth Zone costing over £1.4 million each year, as an independent children’s charity, we are hugely reliant on the generosity from the public and private businesses, across Lancashire, to support and raise funds for over 90% of our costs. If you would like to help, there’s so many ways you can! Simply head to https://www.inspireyouthzone.org/support-us/ to find out more or email our Partnerships team at Partnerships@inspireyouthzone.org