TONIGHT’S the night we’re going to make it happen! And as the countdown begins to the moment the first guest steps on to the red carpet, Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball organisers have today announced a massive boost to the fundraising event.

TONIGHT'S the night we're going to make it happen!

And as the countdown begins to the moment the first guest steps on to the red carpet, Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball organisers have today announced a massive boost to the fundraising event. JAMES MARSTON reports.

ONSLOW Suffolk, the firm behind the massive SnOasis ski and winter sport leisure resort planned for Suffolk, have today pledged their support for the Press Ball by generously sponsoring the event's auction and raffle.

SnOasis would be one of the world's largest winter sports resorts featuring an indoor ski slope and a host of other facilities.

At the heart of the proposed complex in Great Blakenham lies Europe's largest indoor ski slope, measuring 415 metres long by 70 metres wide, with a 100 metre vertical drop, giving an exhilarating run to both dedicated and fun seeking skiers.

Altogether 14 different winter sports are available plus an extensive array of other activities, all housed in superb surroundings.

Since the inaugural Press Ball in 1997 the 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.

Godfrey Spanner, managing director of Onslow Suffolk, the developer of Snoasis, said: “We are delighted to play our part at this year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball.

“It is a great pleasure to be involved in an event which does so much for the community and these are such deserving charities.”

Held at the Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, tonight , music and dancing will be followed by an auction and tombola with prizes donated by a number of businesses and organisations.

And today the Ipswich branch of ASDA supermarkets has joined the business community in providing a prize to be raffled off during the glittering evening.

The prize is a hamper from the exclusive Elveden Estates which includes wines, fine foods and condiments.

ASDA manager Rob Johnson said: “ASDA is a company that takes seriously its community role and we are delighted to be able to offer this hamper to the Press Ball. We hope it raises as much money as possible towards the event's charities.”

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “This donation and the sponsorship by SnOasis is a massive boost to this year's Press Ball and a brilliant way to kick start the serious business of raising money for this year's charities.

“We are indebted to all those organisations and businesses that have dug so deep in support of the community.”

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.

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