BOASTING wines, delicious foods and even the appearance of pop legend Tony Hadley, the eleventh Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball is set to be a night to remember.
BOASTING wines, delicious foods and even the appearance of pop legend Tony Hadley, the eleventh Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball is set to be a night to remember.
But behind the glamour, the support of the business community is crucial to fundraising. JAMES MARSTON finds out more.
TODAY the countdown starts to the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball.
With just days to go before the magnificent fundraiser, organisers announce a massive boost from a regional company.
Power firm EDF Energy will lend its support to the glittering event, to be held on June 22 at the Hotel Elizabeth Copdock.
Press Ball organiser, Bridget York of London events firm Entire Affair said: “We are delighted that EDF Energy is supporting this year's Press Ball. The company has been a longstanding supporter of the event in the past, and its commitment to the community is well known.
“EDF Energy is sponsoring the totaliser for the evening and their staff are VIP guests so will be attending the VIP champagne reception with this year's guest of honour Tony Hadley.”
The event's chosen charity Disability Care Enterprise (DCE) helps provide specialist equipment for Suffolk-based disabled people, and Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said the generosity of EDF Energy will make a big difference to fundraising efforts.
He added: “The support of EDF Energy is a huge boost to the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball. We cannot thank the company enough for their continued commitment to the event and DCE.
“I am delighted to be able to welcome them and their guests once again to the Press Ball.”
Andrew Brown, head of media relations at EDF Energy said: “As a local employer, EDF Energy is delighted to support the Evening Star's fundraising efforts at the annual press ball for Disability Care Enterprise.
“Our commitment to local communities and the environment is central to what we do. Our increased presence in Ipswich shows our going commitment to Suffolk. Our 'Climate Commitments' demonstrate our resolve to address global warming wherever we operate”.
He added: “Many staff are involved in fundraising initiatives, either for our charity of the year Mencap, or for other local good causes.”
EDF Energy's Network Operations Centre for London and the East of England is based in Ipswich.
The company has also built the Orwell Centre, as a new base for its customer service operation covering London, the South East and the East of England. This has created a number of additional jobs in the area.
Mr Brown added: “EDF Energy has also been leading the way in doing its bit to tackle climate change. At a local and national level, it plans to transform its business to put sustainability at the heart of what it does.
“Its “Climate Commitments”, which were launched in June, explain how the company will reduce its own CO2 emissions and help customers reduce their carbon footprint in the UK over the coming years.”
Have you benefited from the work of DCE?
Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
DCE project director Carolyne Morey today spoke of her gratitude to EDF Energy, and all the companies supporting this year's Press Ball.
She said: “The Press Ball is our major fundraising night of the year and without the support of our sponsors and companies like EDF Energy it would not be the success it has become.
“I cannot thank EDF Energy enough for their contribution. Every penny we raise we can spend on transforming the lives of those who need our help most.”
Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Press Ball sponsors Call Connection, said: “DCE is such a deserving cause and a charity which is close to my heart.”
“EDF Energy has once again offered their unstinting support to a fantastic event. This is excellent news and I know will make a massive difference to the fundraising efforts.”
EDF Energy employs more than 2,000 staff in the East of England.
1997-£3,000
1998-£6,000
1999-£21,000
2000-£35,000
2001-£33,000
2002-£40,000
2003-£26,000
2004-£31,000
2005-£22,000
2006-£40,000
Total so far-£257,000
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here