Spectacular Chestnut Tree House ball breaks fund-raising record

The amazing total from the fourth annual Chestnut Tree House Snowman Spectacular Ball is enough to pay for all the care services provided by the hospice for 32 days, and delighted staff and organisers.

Guests who attended the ball, at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, were treated to an evening packed with entertainment, the high point of which was a performance by Mitch Winehouse, father of the late Amy Winehouse.

He also kicked off the evening’s fund-raising by going up on stage with his wife, Jane, accompanied by Amy’s mother, Janis and her husband, Richard Collins, to present a generous donation of £10,000 from the Amy Winehouse Foundation to Chestnut Tree House.

Brighton magician Paul Zenon was one of the main hosts for the evening, along with Juice FM breakfast show presenter Guy Lloyd and Chestnut Tree House’s administrator, Peter Cornwell. Paul entertained the audience with tricks and tomfoolery before introducing fellow performers, Mooky the Clown and aerialist Alex Poulter.

Guests also enjoyed performances by the Theatre Workshop International Choir, from Brighton, Estrondo Drummers, and close-up magic from Glen Neagles.

There were plenty of fund-raising opportunities for the guests, including more than 500 surprise presents under the Christmas Gift Tree, kindly sponsored and organised by Sue Addis and Donatello Restaurant, in Brighton, which raised £5,160; a balloon raffle to win a luxury holiday in Mallorca; a silent auction; photography by Helen Tinner and a giant snow globe, where guests could also have their photographs taken.

Other money-spinners were caricatures by Sean Savage, plus a Snowman Spectacular cocktail, specially invented for the ball by Jonathon Goldsmith, with all ingredients kindly donated by Latin Spirits and Beers.

The climax of the evening was a spectacular auction, preceded by a moving and heartfelt speech from Chestnut Tree House mum, Claire Poke, from Lancing, who described how the hospice had cared for her daughter Alice, 17, following a major operation just three weeks ago.

Linda Perry, director of children’s services at the hospice, said: “In one night, the ball raised enough money to pay for 32 days of Chestnut Tree House’s care services, with more money still coming in.

“It is really humbling to see such generosity and support for the hospice.”