Wokingham’s largest disabled children’s charity Building for the Future held a very successful May Ball this year, attracting more loyalty, support and funds raised from a growing number of people despite the country being in an economic downturn.

 Earlier on in the year BFTF’s Chairman, Jane Holmes, was worried that the event would flop, and even considered cancelling all fundraising events until the country’s economic future looked brighter. However, after much thought she decided to go ahead with the May Ball and have a bit of  ‘Blitz spirit’ about it all.

Jane and the BFTF volunteers carried on planning and preparing for the event and gradually the Ball began to take shape and gain momentum. Jane comments:  

“I have to admit – organising this year’s May Ball wasn’t easy. Numbers of attendees went up and down daily and it was a real hard slog to get together a list of raffle and auction items from businesses who are normally so keen to support local events. But the team pulled it off and the event was a huge, huge success. Afterwards we realised just how much Wokingham and the people in its neighbouring areas are behind this important charity and that if they are choosing to give at all to charity this year they are more than happy to ‘give locally’.”

BFTF Trustees and Patrons

  Here are the highlights from the Building for the Future May Ball:

 - successful turnout of 120 guests

- in attendance were all 8 trustees and 2 patrons, loyal BFTF supporters plus local business people and their friends

- money raised: £9,000

- received lots of support through auction and raffle donators such as Zappas, Sand Martins and Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa

- £3000 was donated from supporters who wanted to attend but couldn't for various reasons. £1000 of that was donated from Nirvana who are great fans and supporters of  BFTF