THIS year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball received a massive boost today after an Ipswich businessman donated a fantastic auction prize to raise money during the evening.

THIS year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball received a massive boost today after an Ipswich businessman donated a fantastic auction prize to raise money during the evening.

Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Press Ball sponsors Call Connection, has handed back an auction prize he won at last year's event

Mr Kalbraier has donated a singing session by Press Ball crooner Adam Chandler.

The 23-year-old X Factor contestant and member of boy band Future Proof has offered his services to perform at a private party such as a wedding or anniversary.

Mr Kalbraier said: “Adam is a brilliant singer and performed at last year's Press Ball. I am delighted to be able to offer this prize.

“The Press Ball is a fabulous event which raises thousands for well deserving charities.”

Since the inaugural ball in 1997 the press ball has raised thousands for charity and this year the Press Ball organising committee has chosen the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Disability Care Enterprise as the 2008 beneficiaries.

Held at the Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, on Friday June 20, music and dancing are followed by an auction and tombola with prizes donated by a number of businesses and organisations.

Ms York added: “Businesses and organisations around the region have been extremely generous in providing some fantastic auction and raffle prizes. This is an excellent prize for the Press Ball auction.”

With this year's Champagne Ball theme and legendary group The Original Buck's Fizz, the Press Ball is expected to be the last word in luxury and sophistication.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “Graeme is an old friend of the press Ball and has sponsored the event for many years.

“Once again we are indebted to his generosity towards the community. This is a brilliant prize and with the ideas of our creative team, I have every confidence this will be the best-ever press ball.”

Have you been helped by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

PRESS ball bosses are today offering the chance for the business community to offer their help to raise cash for the event's chosen charities.

If your business or organisation would like to donate a raffle or auction prize to the prestigious event or book a table please contact Bridget York on 07961 430599.

Adam, 23, was born and brought up in Kent and lives at home with his mum and sister.

He is a full time singer.

Adam has been singing for 11 years.

At the age of 18 he owned his own entertainments company.

Adam's musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.