Black tie affair for charity summer ball (From Penarth Times)

Black tie affair for charity summer ball

PENARTHIANS donned ball gowns and black tie to raise 7,000 at the inaugural summer ball of the town's Save The Children group.

The event was held at the Masonic Hall on Stanwell Road.

The ball is the first event organised by the Penarth Save The Children Group, formed in January in response to the devastation caused by the Boxing Day tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

Caroline Williams, founder and chairwoman of the group, said: "I wanted to do something after the tsunami tragedy, so I asked some friends if they would contribute their time to organise a summer ball."

Treasurer Cerys Griffiths said: "We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors and by local businesses in Penarth, without whom the substantial sum raised would not have been possible."

After a champagne reception and dinner, Andy Nakoneczny, Marketing Executive for Save the Children, provided an update on the work that had already been done for victims of the tsunami by the charity since January. Phil Williams and Chris Clarke provided entertaining and very successful leadership of the post-dinner auction, where the highlight was the opportunity to bid for a personalised portrait drawn by renowned Welsh artist Harry Holland.

Other lots also proved popular including Tea for Two at The House of Commons donated by The Rt Hon Alun Michael MP; the Pop Star experience from Danny Chang Music; an Audi Cabriolet for the weekend from Cardiff Audi; and a voucher worth 300 donated by Roger Williams Jewellery Studio. Nikki Pateman-Chang and Suzanne Hughes created a wonderful atmosphere with their decorating skills which were enhanced by the special lighting effects of Nutopia Chang and balloons by Gail Gallone.