19 Feb Basildon Masquerade Ball raises £1,055 in aid of Help for Heroes
A local fundraiser from Basildon has raised an impressive £1,055 in aid of Help for Heroes with a charity masked ball.
David Newell, from Basildon, recently visited the local Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Colchester to hand over the cheque raised by the event.
“I was really impressed with the Recovery Centre; in particular the gym and kitchens which have been adapted for those with disabilities. The staff were also incredibly friendly which I feel is really important when supporting those who are in a vulnerable place. The ‘Hope on the Horizon’ garden was beautiful and I especially liked the message behind its design. The rocks in the garden start off rough and in no order. As a veteran engages with Help for Heroes they see the hope on the horizon and those rocks become smoother and more orderly”.
David organised the Masonic Ladies night event in conjunction with Crowstone Masonic Lodge 3298, where he is Immediate Past Master. He chose the charity Help for Heroes because of his military connections.
“One of my grandparents was a Petty Officer in the Navy and my other grandparent was a Sgt Major in the Royal Artillery. More recently I have countless friends in the military and a neighbour’s son has just returned from Afghanistan after serving with the Royal Marines. I can see how worried she is about her son and I just felt like I had to do something. We need to ensure that our military are cared for should the worst happen”.
The event was extremely popular with over 100 people attending; all receiving poppy shaped cupcakes to mark 100 years since the end of World War Two. Ladies also received a poppy shaped broch. The masked ball, which took place at the Rayleigh Club in Hullbridge in the Crystal room, saw an array of impressive raffle prizes donated. Including DIY tools, Formula One Team shirts and a signed Essex County Cricket Team bat with Twenty20 tickets.
