Zoe’s Place Annual Gala Ball
Zoe’s Place is beyond thrilled to share the success of our annual Charity Gala Ball. Thanks to our incredible supporters and sponsors we raised a phenomenal £33,620! This amazing figure means Zoe’s Place can continue helping children and families to live life to its fullest, providing vital care and support when it’s needed the most.
To commemorate the amazing evening that was the Gala Ball, I wanted to write about my experience, the impact on Zoe’s Place and say a huge thank you to Genesis Employment, our main sponsor for the ball. To recognise the incredible efforts of the Zoe’s Place Business Club for being the driving force behind the scenes, we are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated group of supporters.
My name is Amaan Yasin, and I am the new Corporate Fundraiser for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice Coventry. This was my first Gala Ball at Zoe’s Place; I had high expectations and to say they were met would be an understatement. As the guests arrived, they flowed into the timeless Coombe Abbey. Dressed in black tie and prepared to support Zoe’s Place, they were met with drinks at the reception and the musical stylings of Jordan Williams, the host.
The incredibly hardworking Zoe’s Place fundraising team were dotted around, meeting the guests and selling raffles and ‘ring in a box’, a chance to win a diamond ring which seemed to be a crowd favourite. Another crowd favourite was our celebrity guest David Bradley! Known for his roles in Harry Potter and Game of Thrones to name a few. Adored by all those who attended, David took to the stage to answer a few questions from our hall filled with a curious bunch. David proceeded to show support for Zoe’s Place and very kindly allowed for photos with all the guests. The event was jampacked with engaging activities such as ‘Heads and Tails’, live auctions and a silent auction.
A truly memorable moment at the Gala Ball was when the Brown family, one of many families that we support here at Zoe’s Place, took to the stage. Joshua and Terri-Ann Brown, the inspiring parents of Otis, shared their heartfelt journey — from Otis’s birth and diagnosis to discovering Zoe’s Place. Their story deeply moved everyone in attendance, highlighting the incredible strength of family and the power of community support.
This was the highlight of the evening for me as I am sure it was for many. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as they allowed us into their lives. They answered some questions from Jordan and mentioned their gratitude for Zoe’s Place, Joshua’s involvement in our upcoming Strictly Christmas and The Christmas Wish Appeal. Our Zoe’s Place Christmas wish is for all children to enjoy the best quality of life, and the brown family are central to this year’s Christmas Appeal.
From the Zoe’s Place Coventry team, we are extremely grateful to everyone who supported our Gala Ball. We are eagerly planning our next annual Gala which will take place on the 14th November, with the bar set very high. If you would like to support Zoe’s Place or learn more about the work we do, please contact me through Hellocoventry@zoes-place.org.uk or join us at our next fundraising event. Together, we can continue to support children and their families to live life to its fullest.
