Thousands raised for charity at mayor’s ball
More than £7,000 has been raised for good causes at a charity ball held in the borough.
The Mayor’s Ball and Civic Awards 2024 - which this year had a 1940s theme to tie in with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings - took place in front of more than 270 people on Friday at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill.
The evening, sponsored by Midtherm, Jewson and HP & Sons Construction and Restoration, has so far raised £7,320.50.
Prizes auctioned off at the night included two tickets to the FA Cup final at Wembley next month and a football signed by Sir Geoff Hurst, the last surviving member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning team. A 55’ flat screen TV and signed gloves by boxing legends Frank Bruno, Anthony Joshua, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were also bid on.
Raffle prizes included tickets to a Wolves game, dinner for two at Brooke’s Bistro and a cuddly toy.
The cash will be split equally between four charities – Dudley Community First Responders, Prostate Cancer UK, Mary Stevens Hospice and Ups & Downs.
Kevin O’Keefe, chief executive of Dudley Council, said:
“These charities rely heavily on public donations to allow them to continue doing the excellent work they do in our communities.
“I am therefore delighted to see that the ball raised such a significant amount, which I am sure will make a real difference to them.
“I would like to thank everyone who came to the event and dug deep to take part in games and raffles to help raise the money.”
Unsung heroes from the world of sport, business, environment, arts, community and education were also recognised on the evening with civic awards.