TODAY is the day we launch the 2009 Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball.Back for the 12th year, the Press Ball has become the undoubted highlight of the county's social calendar.

TODAY is the day we launch the 2009 Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball.

Back for the 12th year, the Press Ball has become the undoubted highlight of the county's social calendar.

Raising thousands for charities, the event is synonymous with style and sophistication, attracting the cream of Suffolk society.

The Press Ball is a dazzling evening of fine foods and fine wines earning the title, night of nights.

As they launched the 2009 event, organisers today announced the event will take place on Friday, June 19 at the sumptuous and elegant Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock.

The chosen beneficiary of the thousands raised has been revealed as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity dedicated to alleviating and ultimately curing this most cruel of conditions.

Sandra Howarth, spokeswoman for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust in the region, said: “We are delighted the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball has decided to raise money for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

“We are working hard to fight this disease and every penny is used battling Cystic Fibrosis and improving the lives of those suffering with the condition. Every penny raised helps us take each step to curing Cystic Fibrosis.

“Thank you so much, Press Ball.”

Organised and meticulously executed by top London events firm Entire Affair, the Press Ball's fantastic Soul Ball theme is set to delight and entertain guests.

Bridget York, creative director of Entire Affair, said: “We don't want to spoil the surprise but we will be transforming the room into an extravaganza of all things soul.

“Dramatic lighting and stunning table decorations will add to the theme and world we are creating.

“We are delighted to be once again at the helm of the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball and this is going to be a fantastic evening.”

Ipswich firm Call Connection has generously agreed to sponsor the glittering event.

Managing director Graeme Kalbraier said: “The Press Ball is a fantastic way to raise much-needed cash for an excellent charity and this year's event is already promising to be another fabulous night.

“I am delighted to be involved again with this year's ball and I am proud that Call Connection is sponsoring it.”

Star editor Nigel Pickover added: “I am delighted to announce the launch of this year's Press Ball.

“Inaugurated in 1997 by The Evening Star, the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball has raised more than a quarter of a million pounds for charity.

“The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is working hard to eradicate the disease from the lives of so many people and we are delighted to support them in this aim.

“With this year's fantastic Soul ball theme the 2009 Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball promises to be another stunning night to remember.”

Would you like a table at this year's Press Ball? Would you like to sponsor or donate to the event? Please contact Bridget York on 0208 4297530 or e-mail bridget.york@entireaffair.com

Have you benefited from the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball? Has your family been affected by Cystic Fibrosis? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

More than two million people in the UK carry the faulty gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis - around 1 in 25 of the population.

If two carriers have a child, the baby has a one in four chance of having cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food.

Each week, five babies are born with cystic fibrosis.

Average life expectancy is around 31 years, although improvements in treatments mean a baby born today could expect to live for longer.

Past Press Ball themes have included James Bond, Black and White, Harry Potter, An Enchanted Evening, Masquerade and The Champagne Ball.