Rockinghorse brings the circus to town

24 November 2010

Rockinghorse got the show on the road on Saturday night (20 November), raising an astounding £75,000 at its Circus Ball, which was held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole.

The evening, which was sponsored by Hove-based Skerritts Consultants, was hosted by the fantastic Marcella Whittingdale and saw over 400 guests enjoy a fun and frivolous night of fundraising and clowning around. The ball kicked off with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal and the audience were wowed by Zaz the clown and Circus performers from Sussex University, while K-Bis Theatre School returned to present their dance routine to ‘Join the Circus’ from the musical, Barnum. 

During the evening, volunteers flooded the floor with 2,000 helium balloons for the infamous Rockinghorse balloon raffle game, which involved guests popping their balloons to discover the winning raffle tickets, and raised close to £6,000. 

The pledge brought in £18,000 which means that the charity can now provide respite centres across Sussex and Surrey with five Rockinghorse Communication Aids for young people who have difficulties communicating, or who are not able to speak. Parent of disabled twins, Tina Reynolds, made a powerful speech about how the communication aids have made an enormous impact to her sons’ lives and how they could give other children and young people a voice and a chance to be heard, which resonated deeply with the guests.

The auction, led by Ringmaster John Hole, had some great prizes all of which were kindly donated by a number of local companies, including a five star luxury holiday in Lanzarote and a ‘his ‘n’ hers’ lot, which comprised of a weekend hotel stay, a three-course meal and entertainment, a beautiful 1950s dress, rounds of golf and lots more. The evening came to an end with performances by live band, The Hot Rox, a DJ set by James Whiltshire from Freemasons and all the fun of the fair, including dodgems, a coconut shy and a fortune teller.

Marcella Whittingdale, presenter/reporter and host of the ball, said: “What a fantastic night! Everyone has been so generous and it will really make a difference to local children with illnesses or disabilities. And the dodgems are always great fun!”

Allie Preiss, Rockinghorse Marketing & Events Manager, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone for coming along and supporting the charity and to all the companies and individuals who made the event possible, especially our wonderful sponsors, Skerritts.”

To find out more about a Rockinghorse project near you, or to make a donation, call 01273 730286.

To view and purchase images from the night, click here to visit the photographer's website. 10% of all sales come to Rockinghorse.