Butterfly Ball gives £42k boost to Prince’s Trust

The work of The Prince’s Trust in Lancashire has received a significant boost after the charity received the proceeds of one of the county’s biggest fundraising events.

The charity has been handed a cheque for £42,000 which was raised though the annual Butterfly Ball, a glittering star-studded event attended by over 300 people.

The money will support a number of Prince’s Trust projects for young people across Lancashire in areas such as Blackburn, Burnley, Preston and Blackpool.

The cheque was presented to Eleanor Wotherspoon of The Prince’s Trust by award-winning entrepreneur Suzana Edwards, founder and chair of the Butterfly Ball.

Suzana said: “This year’s Butterfly Ball was the most ambitious event ever staged for The Prince’s Trust in Lancashire and it brought people together from across the county in support of the tremendous work the charity does. We are extremely proud to be able to hand over such a significant sum and thankful to all our sponsors and event guests for their generous support.”

The Butterfly Ball was supported by a wide number of businesses from the region, including Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, Peter Jackson the Jeweller, Barclays, Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Gregory’s Sound, Bowker BMW & Thwaites and numerous other national sponsors.

David Smith, OBE, Chairman of the Prince’s Trust in Lancashire said, “Each year The Prince’s Trust

helps over 1,200 local young people to develop their confidence, skills, and motivation, enabling them to overcome barriers and turn their lives around to make a better future for themselves. Over 70 per cent of those who turn to The Prince’s Trust for help go into further education or training, enter into employment, or even, with their support, start their own successful businesses. At a time of peak unemployment, The Prince’s Trust is absolutely committed to investing in the young people of Lancashire. The fundraising efforts of Suzana Edwards and her colleagues, and the generosity of all who contributed to the Butterfly Ball, have been truly amazing and will enable so many more young people across the whole of this county to see the benefits.”

This year’s Butterfly Ball, held on March 9 at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, featured performances from tenor Russell Watson, renowned singer and BBC voice coach Zoe Tyler, Kym Marsh, the Army Military Wives, and Strictly Come Dancing Professionals. Money was raised through ticket sales for the prestigious event, as well as various raffles and an auction of luxury goods and holidays.

The Prince’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for young people. It offers practical and financial support to young people between the ages of 13-30 who have struggled through childhood or who are long-term unemployed.