TONIGHT'S the night that dreams come true. That's the pledge today of Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball organisers who are tonight hosting one of the county's biggest fundraising events of the year.

TONIGHT'S the night that dreams come true.

That's the pledge today of Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball organisers who are tonight hosting one of the county's biggest fundraising events of the year.

Attended by pop star and hearthrob Tony Hadley and with a glittering 'ice ball' theme, tonight's Press Ball, held at the Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, is expected to raise thousands for chosen charity Disability Care Enterprise (DCE) - a Suffolk-based organisation that provides specialist equipment for disabled people.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “Tonight is the culmination of twelve months of hard work to make the lives of so many people so much better. Tonight is set to be a fantastic night for a fantastic charity and we have all gone the extra mile to ensure we raise as much as possible for DCE.

“This is the eleventh Press Ball and this year we have pulled out all the stops. The whole team at The Evening Star is delighted to offer the full backing of our newspaper and we are looking forward to a brilliant night.”

DCE project director, Carolyne Morey said tonight's generosity means that DCE can improve the lives of hundreds of disabled people.

Mrs Morey said: “Every penny raised goes directly to helping our clients. “Tonight the Ipswich business community has come together for our charity and we are extremely grateful for their support and compassion.”

Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Ipswich-based Press Ball sponsors Call Connection, said tonight's event will have a serious side.

He added: “The Press Ball is always a brilliant evening and I am certain tonight will be no exception. DCE is a charity very close to my heart. I have seen for myself the work of the charity in action and I know how much tonight will mean to so many people.

“I am delighted and very proud Call Connection is able to support the Press Ball once again.”

Have you benefited from the Press Ball? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

A TABLE of generous guests at this year's Press Ball have today pledged a spectacular selection of raffle prizes they hope will boost tonight's fundraising efforts.

Made up of independent retailers from the Ipswich area the table, organised by Sarah-Jane Hutchinson, owner of Drizzle delicatessen in St Nicholas Street, Ipswich, is offering a variety of goods and services to the Press Ball's lucky guests.

The prizes include:

A Luxury Hamper (worth £50) from Drizzle Delicatessen.

A £50 Hair or beauty gift voucher for Baiss & Co in St Peters Street, Ipswich.

An Alvar Aalto Collection Tulip Vase worth £100 from Karlsson Design in Tacket street, Ipswich.

A remote control electric skateboard - worth £45 from XS items - Xpert E-Bay Sellers

A whole side of Wild Smoked Salmon from Pinneys Smokehouse of Orford -

A £25 gift voucher for Sweet Dreams Lingerie and Swimwear of Wickham Market

A solid oak stool worth £60 from Shrubland Sawmill.

Jewellery to the value of £50 from Marianna Fashion Boutique of St Peters Street, Ipswich.

Miss Hutchinson said: “We are all independent businesses and we wanted to do something together for the community. The Press Ball is a fantastic event and we wanted to show that small businesses can make a difference too.”