Mayor’s Civic Ball raises £6K for homeless charity
They took part in a silent auction, raffle and tombola to raise funds for the charity which provides support to young people who need a home.
Guests were also treated to performances from a cappella group Gin and Harmonics and the band Co-Jones as they danced the night away at Sopwell House.
In an after-dinner speech, North Pole trekker Ed Suttie spoke about the community and the environment, the two themes for the Mayor’s Ball. Ed was powerfully moved by how the community came together to support his 200km 16-day trek to the North Pole in 2016 by raising £54,000 for charity.
“Environment and community are inextricably linked, action within our communities here in Hertfordshire can help tackle global environmental challenges and local conservation needs in our wonderful woodlands and commons.” said Ed Suttie.
Councillor Frances Leonard, the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, said: “Ed’s speech was inspiring and really made us all think about how we can work as a community to protect the environment and raise funds for charity. I want to thank Ed and all my guests who dug deep to raise much-needed funds for Herts Young Homeless. We all had a wonderful night with delicious food and wonderful entertainment. I also want to thank the generous donors of tombola, raffle and auction prizes and the ladies of St Leonards Church who provided beautiful flower displays.”
The 209 guests included Councillors, Mayors and other dignitaries from across Hertfordshire, as well as representatives from local businesses, churches, visitor attractions, voluntary organisations and educational establishments.
"We are honoured and privileged to have been part of such a fantastic evening,” said Kathryn Salmon, Head of Fundraising for Herts Young Homeless.
“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown by the guests on the night who have raised an incredible amount of money. Every penny
will go towards helping vulnerable young people within the local community. Thank you to the Mayor and her team for all their support."
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Frances Leonard.
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544
Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson,
Senior Communications Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Notes:
Mayoral charity – Herts Young Homeless
When the new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans is selected each year they choose a charity to support during their period in office. The current Mayor, Cllr Frances Leonard, has chosen Herts Young Homeless (hyh) as her mayoral charity for the year. The charity provides support and advice to young people aged 16-24 years who have had difficulty in securing safe and secure accommodation.
Photos:
Above: Councillor Frances Leonard, the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, with guests
Below: Councillor Frances Leonard, the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, with her husband and consort, Dr Graham Leonard, and Ed and Clare Suttie.