Bacta Summer Ball 2023

Last month, 200 Bacta members and their guests celebrated the return of the trade association’s Summer Ball, organised by SX Lesuire and Bacta Chairman, Steve Hawkins. 

The event took place at the Forest of Arden Country Club and the guests met to bid, pledge, and raise money for charities including Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity. The ball raised a fantastic £27,000 for the Bacta Charitable Trust.

Rays of Sunshine is a national charity that brightens the lives of seriously ill young people by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community

Here’s what Steve had to say about the very successful event:

‘First of all huge thanks to all of our guests who showed their support in fantastic numbers, to our sponsors who gave so generously, to the venue and to our magnificent entertainment who brought the summer celebration to life.

‘However, I must save my heartfelt personal thanks to the organizing committee comprising Karen Cooke, Steph Norbury, Surj Stott, James Miller, and the irrepressible Tony Glanville for quite literally making the Summer Ball happen. It was a fantastic team effort, and the proof was in the pudding with a marquee full of people enjoying each other’s company, letting their hair down, and raising such a huge sum of money.’

‘For many, this would have been their first black-tie event since Covid, and I think they arrived at the Ball determined to have a ball!’

When asked if the money raised was above what he expected, Steve admitted, ‘£27,000 is beyond what I thought was possible, and the fundraising was assisted by some extremely generous donations. Like all things worth doing, it was a bit stressful at times, but the outcome and the kind words that I’ve received more than compensate. I’ve already had people booking their tables for summer 2024 – which is hugely gratifying.’

Bacta CEO John White then took to the stage to express his thanks to everyone involved in the special evening:

‘Huge congratulations to Steve and his organizing committee for putting on an event which was overflowing with positivity and bonhomie. A great ‘laugh out loud comic’ and an outstanding band created a collective energy and a togetherness which reminded me of the wonderful evenings spent at Grosvenor House when Bacta Ball tickets were as rare as those for the Centre Court at Wimbledon.

‘All of the feedback I’ve received has been universally positive, and we shouldn’t forget that this was Steve’s second major fundraiser in a month following the Bacta Golf Day which I also had the privilege of attending and which generated over £14,000 for the Trust to distribute to worthy causes.’

It was great to see so many people from across the industry come together for a fantastic cause. Thanks again for another successful event and your kind donations.