Ipswich school community raises £5,262 for local charities at summer ball
More than 275 members of the Ipswich School community came together for a Charity Summer Ball, raising £5,262 for two Suffolk charities that support local families and young people.
Why it matters: The biennial event, organised by the Friends of Ipswich School (FOIS), split its proceeds equally between Dora Brown and Brave Futures – two charities chosen this year to keep the money's impact close to home.
The details: Held in a marquee at the school, the evening featured a three-course dinner by JLS Catering, casino tables, a 360° photo booth, a grand prize draw, an auction and live music from the Serious Hat Band.
A signed Ipswich Town FC shirt from the club's latest season proved one of the highlights of the night, raising £1,300 alone in the auction.
FOIS – a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation made up of parents, pupils, staff and members of the wider school community – selected this year's charity partners under the leadership of co-organisers Farida Rouane-Williams and Caroline Pennington.
What they're saying: Farida Rouane-Williams said: "It was really important to us that the money raised stayed local and made a difference to children and young people in our own community. Dora Brown and Brave Futures both do extraordinary work supporting Suffolk families and young people at the times they need it most, and we're proud that our school community has been able to get behind them."
Caroline Pennington added: "We are incredibly grateful to the many local businesses that supported the evening by donating prizes or supplying the event, and to everyone who bought tickets, entered the prize draw and took part in the fundraising. The generosity shown throughout the evening was amazing, and we are delighted to be able to donate £5,262 between these two fantastic charities."
Where the money's going: The donation to Dora Brown will provide practical help for families experiencing financial hardship and crisis across Suffolk. Jo Revett, Director of Dora Brown, said: "Everyone at Dora Brown would like to send huge thanks to the organisers and attendees for your incredible generosity at the FOIS Summer Ball this year. Your donation will go directly towards transforming homes for vulnerable local families in crisis.
"Events like your Summer Ball do more than just raise vital funds; they bring people together and shine a light on important causes like Dora Brown, raising awareness and acting as a catalyst for future support to make a real lasting difference."
For Brave Futures, the donation will help fund specialist support for children and young people recovering from trauma. Hannah Walker, Engagement and Fundraising Manager at Brave Futures, said: "The success of the Summer Ball is a wonderful reflection of the generosity and community spirit of everyone involved.
"Every ticket purchased and raffle prize donated has helped make a real difference. This generous donation will fund life-changing specialist support sessions for children and young people, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this possible."
The bigger picture: For decades, Ipswich School has been raising money for local causes. The school also recently presented St Elizabeth Hospice with a cheque for £3,058.70, raised through a series of smaller initiatives including chapel collections, the Lower School Service, a Holden House fundraising event, the Library's World Book Day activities, a Chapel Craft Event, private donations and a Senior School Dress Down Day – which alone brought in £1,526.
During the presentation, hospice representative Chloe also met members of the school's Crafternoon group, who are preparing handmade crafts for a stall at Suffolk Dog Day in September.
The bottom line: Between the Summer Ball and the hospice cheque alone, Ipswich School's community has raised more than £8,300 for good causes this year – support that four Suffolk charities and the families they help will feel the benefit of.
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