Butterfly Ball gives £77k boost to Prince’s Trust

One of Lancashire’s biggest fundraising events has given a boost to the UK’s leading charity for young people, The Prince’s Trust.

The Gaggeneau Butterfly Ball, a glittering star-studded event attended by more than 300 people, raised £77,000 for the charity through ticket sales, auctions and prize draws on the night.

Among the guests were rapper Professor Green and Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh.

The money raised will support a variety of Prince’s Trust Projects for young people across Lancashire, in areas such as Blackburn, Burnley, Preston and Blackpool. The Prince’s Trust offers practical and financial support to young people between the ages of 14 -30 who have struggled through childhood or who are long-term unemployed.

Danny Houghton, partner at Moore and Smalley and part of The Butterfly Ball organising committee, said: “The Prince’s Trust helps thousands of young people to turn their lives around every year, helping them to overcome barriers and develop their skills, confidence and motivation.

“The Gaggeneau Butterfly Ball brought people together from all over the country in support of the charity’s outstanding work and we’re very proud to be able to hand over such a significant sum thanks to the generosity of the attendees.

“We’d like to thank all our guests, sponsors and the many Butterfly Friends, as well as our media partners Lancashire Business View.

“The money raised will be used to provide practical and financial support to the county’s younger generation and will mean that many more young people in the area will be able to benefit from the fantastic work the charity does.”

This year’s Gaggeneau Butterfly Ball was held in the presence of its Patron, Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa. It featured performances from X Factor stars Rhydian Roberts and Jahmene Douglas, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Faryl Smith, and internationally renowned singer Tony Christie.

Regional favourites Paul Guard, Army Military Fanfare, Storm Band and The Accrington Pipe Band also performed, and the pre-auction speech was delivered by TV chef Raymond Blanc.

Butterfly Ball Events’ next fundraiser for The Prince’s Trust is a sporting clay shoot which will be held at Bleasdale Tower, Lancashire, on Thursday June 5. The event includes a lunch prepared by Michelin starred chef Nigel Howarth and organisers are still seeking teams to take part. For more information, please contact Suzana Edwards on 07730 922 935 or suzanaedwards@aol.com