Our 116th annual fundraising Ball was back with a bang last weekend, with money still coming in we will soon be able to announce how much we have raised for our project in Smethwick, Brushstrokes. The first since 2019 after having to postpone our 2020 Ball, due to covid. It was so exciting to see the event going forward again, and raise money for such an important project.
The annual fundraising Ball returned on the 9th of March, where we were joined by 180 guests, dressed in their most glamourous outfits at the St John’s Hotel, in Solihull. The event was sponsored by BRI Wealth Management, huge thank you to them, also to Paul and his team from Print Design Team and all of our corporate supporters, who took out an advert in the ball booklet.
"The Ball was Fantastic ! It was very well planned and organised by the Father Hudson's team. We can't wait to go again next year!"
David & Emily Simmons
The evening truly sparkled as we came together to support our incredible project which is integral to many people, especially asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, across Sandwell, West Birmingham and the Black Country. Guests experienced a 3 course meal, while Head of Fundraising Manager Kevin Hateley led as the Ball’s host. Many guests generously took part in the tombola, a fun game of heads and tails, and the silent auction. The event was brought to life by the fantastic band “Movida”, who put on a undeniably fantastic show, with the dance floor overflowing.
Our Chief Executive said:
After 4 years the Ball is back. When Chris Loughran, who had been on, and chaired the Ball Committee, for nearly 25 years met with us and said that the time was right to pass on the baton, the big question was to whom. I was delighted when Kevin Hateley, our Head of Fundraising, without hesitation accepted the challenge.
On behalf of Father Hudson’s I wish to thank Chris and all former members of the committee for their great work and support over the years.
On the night of 9th March at St John’s Hotel in Solihull it would be true to say that whilst the choreography was not ‘Strictly’ the spirit certainly was. It was just as well the hotel had insisted the band’s equipment was PAT tested because they had more energy than the Hadron Collider.
The selection of photos below captures the joy of the night. Kevin and his team – Lauren, Beth and Rebecaa kept us on track and on the dancefloor.
We wish to thank all those who came, and those who couldn’t but still made a donation. We are also very grateful for the corporate support and for some very generous individual donations, and all of the Tombola prizes . Kevin will soon announce how much we raised.
This funding will enable our collaborative Brushstrokes project in Smethwick to support many refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who have sought safety and hope here, from terror and intense poverty and having to leave so much behind them. The welcome Brushstrokes offers is the difference between hope and despair.
Our Head of Fundraising Manager, Kevin Hateley added: It was great to see so many new faces, and welcome back a number of regular supporters. We will soon be able to announce the date of next years ball, when we look forward to seeing everyone once again.