Fundraising ball raises thousands

Pictured at the event are, back row, from left to right: Faraz Unees of sponsors PMA Housing, Amran Akhter of sponsors Create Kitchens, event supporter Carole Foster; front row: Crossroads Care business development manager Liz Hopkinson, chief executive officer Kate Davis, the Mayor of Rotherham Cllr Tajamal Khan and chair of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber's diversity and inclusion group Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley.

GUESTS at a fundraising event for a local charity had a ball for a good cause— literally!

Crossroads Care Rotherham’s first Masquerade Ball raised £7,000 to support and awareness of unpaid carers living in the borough, with organisers already planning a second event next year due to its “amazing” success.

The ball, at Aston Hall Hotel featured live music from Sheffield band Acoustic Angels and a raffle with prizes including an iPhone 13 and a two-night cottage break in the Lake District.

Business development manager Liz Hopkinson said: “Everybody had a fantastic time and absolutely loved it.

“We raised £7,000 thanks to the support of local businesses who donated raffle prizes, bought tickets and tables for us to invite carers to enjoy the event, or, as sponsors, contributed towards the costs of hosting the ball.

“Acoustic Angels went down a storm, Aston Hall provided a beautiful meal, and we were joined by the Mayor of Rotherham, who was lovely and very approachable, he went round speaking to everyone there.

“We couldn’t believe what a success it was but it was also important to raise awareness about how carers are struggling at the moment, with added problems including the cost of living crisis.

“We need to raise awareness that carers are just not getting the respite they need, and people aren’t coming into the industry while demand for our services continues to rise.”