A group of Newcastle University students organised a Great Gatsby themed ball last weekend to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.
The event took place on 28th February 2016 from 7pm at Bonbar.
Part of the ticket profits will be donated towards The Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that works to provide care and support for young people facing cancer throughout the UK.
One of the organisers of the event April Darrell told The Courier: “We wanted to do something different, something more creative than a typical charity ball. We wanted everyone, for just one night, to be able to forget all the university stress and dress up in sequins and suits to celebrate all the incredible work that Teenage Cancer Trust has done and what better way to celebrate than with a Roaring 1920s Gatsby party!.
April described why fundraising for the charity was so important: “Teenage Cancer Trust works with young people diagnosed with cancer and really helps and supports these young people through all the awful and traumatic experiences of cancer. You see the strength and determination of these children and teens to beat cancer and so we wanted to help and support them by raising as much money as we can.”
A ticket to the event cost £25, which included VIP treatment and full access to the bar. For every Gatsby cocktail purchased, £1 of the proceeds was donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. The evening also featured food available from Bonbar’s luxurious burger bar. Newcastle University’s Jazz Orchestra and singer Jenna Darrell performed at the event. A 1920’s themed photo booth and grand raffle featuring an exciting host of prizes from photo-shoot vouchers to paintballing tickets also featured as part of the evening. A fancy dress competition took place for both male and female winners of best 1920’s attire.
Part of the raffle ticket proceeds will be donated to the charity, where there were a range of prizes including £240 worth of vouchers to be spent on a photo-shoot, Alnwick Castle and Garden Tickets, and paintballing tickets.
The group is expected to raise at least £600 from the evening. The students behind organising the Gatsby themed ball have previously hosted a Speed Dating night and a Valentines themed girls night to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.
At the Valentines themed girls night at Nancy’s Bordello on 11th February, the organisers managed to raise a total of £225 for the charity.
The students also aspire to organise a Teenage Cancer Trust music festival.
April stated that the team have put their heart and soul into organising this event and are looking forward to fundraising more for TCT.
