Glamorous ball raises £50K for Midlands children’s charity
FUNDRAISER: Tim and Rachel Ollerenshaw, founders of Molly Ollys children’s charity By Jennie Ludford An evening of glitz and glamour held in aid of a very special Warwickshire children’s charity managed to raise GBP50,000.
More than 430 guests attended the ball at the IXL Centre at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam for Molly Ollys charity on Saturday, November 19. The charity’s 10th Anniversary Blossom Ball was well supported with guests from Midlands companies such as Oakland International, New Horizon Logistics, Avanti Print and Packaging and West Mercia Trucks. The event started at 7pm with guests enjoying a welcome drink, before a curtain was drawn back to reveal a beautifully decorated room filled with blossom trees, flowers and full of sparkle.
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GLITZY EVENT: The ball was held at the IXL Centre at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam
Molly Ollys was founded 10 years ago by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw whose eight- -year-old daughter Molly sadly died after a five year battle with a rare kidney cancer. Rachel said; “10 years is a big landmark for us at the Charity as we have been able to help thousands of children like Molly over the years. It was Molly’s wish that we help other children facing challenging health circumstances and we are proud that we have and we will continue to help.
None of this would have been possible without the donations and support of wonderful individuals and corporate supporters such as those who came to our 10th Anniversary Ball. To have raised more than GBP50,000 in these tough financial times is truly awe-inspiring – these are much needed funds and we will be able to do so much good with this money; thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” READ MORE
A powerful video was played at the ball, featuring three children that Molly Ollys has helped either with a wish or by donating its therapeutic lion, Olly The Brave. One of the guests at the ball was Karen Robbins who sadly lost her daughter Leanne to cancer on March 1, 2015, at the age of 16. Leanne’s wish was to go to see Les Miserables and Molly Ollys made that happen.
Karen said: “Molly Ollys is special to me as the team made sure my beautiful daughter Leanne could have some joy and not only watch Les Mis, but also meet the actors. Leanne had the best time. “It is nearly eight years since she died and I hold onto that very happy memory.
I have attended all of Molly Ollys balls since she passed away to show my support for this truly wonderful charity – the team really makes a difference to families like mine.” READ MORE Across the evening, there was a raffle, silent auction and a live auction and guests were entertained with performances from local children’s dance troupe, Viva Theatre Arts , Motown band, The Soul Brothers, a Chinese lion and drummers and local DJ Andy Saunders.
Guests enjoyed an incredible Asian fusion meal, delivered by Sanjay Foods. Molly’s dad, Tim was the compere for the evening: “I am in awe of the enduring support for Molly Ollys. It is truly humbling to look around the room and see so many people wanting to help make a difference.”
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