THIS year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball is just days away. And as preparations get under way for the night of nights, JAMES MARSTON looks at some of the amazing auction prizes announced today for lucky guests.

James Marston

THIS year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball is just days away. And as preparations get under way for the night of nights, JAMES MARSTON looks at some of the amazing auction prizes announced today for lucky guests.

IT'S all about making as much cash as possible.

Well that's not totally true, but the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball does have a serious side.

An evening of glamour, sophistication and luxury, the event is also a chance for guests and friends of the Evening Star to give something back to our community.

For more than 120 years your Ipswich newspaper has battled hard for the community and today the Press Ball is an obvious and high-profile manifestation of that worthy tradition.

Here at the newspaper we are proud of what we have achieved since the Press Ball began in 1997.

The annual event 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.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “This year our community has pulled out all the stops. Some of the most amazing auction and raffle prizes have been donated to the Press Ball.

“The generosity of our business community is once again truly magnificent and a testament to the determination we all share to help those with cystic fibrosis and eradicate this dreadful disease.

“It is this generosity that is the true heart of the Press Ball and it is thanks to those who dig so deep that we can raise so much money year after year. Our thanks go to all of those who donate.”

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.

Regularly and strongly supported by the county's business community, the Press Ball is once again sponsored by Ipswich firm Call Connection.

New prizes announced today include:

- Win a new smile!

To the value of £1,000, this prize includes teeth whitening sessions and a full MoT for the mouth with one of Suffolk's top private dentists at the Lighthouse Dental Practice in Ipswich.

Codrain Tocca, of the Lighthouse Dental Practice, said: “We are delighted to support the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball. This is our opportunity to put something back into the community.”

- A mascot for the day at Ipswich Town Football Club.

ITFC have offered the chance to become a mascot for the day and also have a VIP meal on match day.

Donated by Ipswich Town Football Club.

- Manchester United signed shirt by Carlos Tevez

Plus a visit to the team's Carrington training centre to see the team in action.

Donated by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

- A Center Parcs break- a midweek family break including his and hers spa treatment.

Donated by Center Parcs.

- Backstage passes for the Witches of Eastwick at Ipswich's Regent Theatre.

Donated by The Regent Theatre.

- If you would like to join the guests and take a table at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball contact Bridget York on 020 8429 7530

- 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