Local legends and influential business's come together to raise funds for charity

Yorkshire-based commercial marquee and gazebo supplier and manufacturer Gala Tent was proud headline sponsor of the Dearne Valley Personal Development Centre’s inaugural annual Charity Ball.

Including Charity founder and Former world class boxing champion John Jo Irwin and Gala Tent CEO Jason Mace, over one hundred and fifty influential and generous VIPs helped to raise over £12,000 for the enterprise education initiatives and the forgotten children of Dearne Valley. This follows the success of the White-Collar Boxing fundraising event in May where over £3000 was raised for this great cause.

Also supported by Gala Tent’s recently established marketing division GEM, now with a newly renovated head office in Mexborough town centre, who sponsored the brochures, pop up banners, and promotional literature for the event, which was held at the iconic Empress Building in the 250sqm Ballroom.

The 3-course dinner event included a packed evening of entertainment, including ballroom dancing from top Junior Latin Dance couple Christopher Buttle and Ruma Baker, who delighted the audience with a high energy ballroom dance performance. Witty comedy entertainment was provided by the very sharp Josh Daniels, who also compered a Charity auction where sporting memorabilia, holidays and money can't buy experiences helped to raise thousands of pounds, and an amazing tribute to the popular singer Pink raised the roof till midnight.

Jason Mace, CEO of Gala Tent, said, “It was a great evening. The Dearne Valley PDC project adds real value to young people's lives so therefore receives my full support.

Dean Baker, CEO of Zap Garage Doors, who donated £1000 plus sponsored three tables of ten for the event. said, “It was a fantastic event which I really enjoyed, it was nice to offer support to an event that will do so much good work for young people.”

Local sporting legend and former darts world champion Dennis “The Menace” Priestley donated £500 and set of signed darts, which raised £180 at auction. On the evening, he said, “I did not hesitate to offer my support when I received the invitation to attend. The work that John and Jackie do is life changing for these kids and I'm only too happy to get involved.”

Rock Legend Graham Oliver, founder and lead guitarist of local heroes Saxon, donated a signed 1980 vintage vinyl of their smash hit LP Wheels of Steel, which raised £150 on the night. Graham told us it was an honour to be involved in such a great cause, and he had a wonderful evening of entertainment.

Former Boxing Olympic medal winners Tommy Joyce MBE and Allan Richardson also donated some signed boxing gloves raising a further £300.

Many more other influential businesspeople pledged to offer support raising a further £6000 including David Lilley and Karen Child of Sutton Hall Resort, Scott Beardshall from Barnsley Refrigeration, Empress Building General Manger Jemma Brannan and her team of staff, plus radio and TV personality Giles Brearley.

Co founder Jackie Irwin said, “I would like to send my personal thanks to Jason Mace and everyone else that attended. Your generosity helped us to raise an amazing £12,000 and, together with our White-Collar Boxing event, means we have managed to raise over £15,000 of vital funds this year. Your kindness will benefit the children that we support through our education initiatives. I believe that with the right mix of opportunity and support, every young person has the potential to achieve great things and the right to a brighter future. I could not be more grateful for the contribution you have made to enable the Charity to continue our work.”

“Also, a special thanks to sponsors which include Mark Smallman of Brearleys Accountants, Wake Smith, PWC, Primo Drinks, LWC Drinks, Graham & Associates, Park View, Enterprise Accountants, A E Spinks, HSR Law, Lantern Insurance, Smiths Surveyors, NMTF, PWC, Terry Huggett Developments, Integra Windows, Rocket Business Management, M.A.C. Metalcraft, BR Chamber, Danum Business Services, and notable race teams United Autosports and Mclaren F1."

Over the past five years, Jason Mace has invested in refurbishing the former Empress Building ballroom and dance hall into a hub of business, health and community activity.

The building, which dates to the 1920s, was built to mirror the great dance halls in places such as Blackpool and for decades it was the hub of social activity in the area, but in recent years had fallen into disrepair before Jason’s intervention. The ballroom is now host to many private functions and world renowned tribute artist and bands from around the world.