A golden ticket is a sweet deal for charity

Steve James with from left, Emma Rodman, Morgan Ashworth, Karen Ditch, Charlotte Blow, Julie Nuttall and Hema Patel

Employees at financial advisors Key Retirement, part of KR Group, organised a charity ball at Barton Grange Hotel, in Preston, in aid of Dementia UK.

The room was transformed into a crazy world of colour and candy at the Willy Wonka-themed event.

Highlights of the evening included a vodka luge (ice sculpture), a live band and a raffle and auction, which raised £3,000 on the evening.

7 UP Netball team at the Key Retirement summer ball for Dementia UK at Barton Grange Hotel

The ball raised a grand total of £11,885 to boost KR Group’s fund-raising for the year so far.

One of the organisers, Hema Patel, says: “Our staff, their partners and many of our business partners, and other invited guests, joined together to support a night to remember at Barton Grange Hotel.

“The night was a great success and everyone had fun.

“We’d like to extend a big thank you to our very generous sponsors and donors, including: Gilroy Steel Solicitors, OneFamily, NIU Solutions, DWF Law, CBE Digital Copiers, Ashfords Solicitors, Equilaw, DXP, Intermarketing, Goldsmith Williams, Carat, Blacks Direct Solicitors, AlfaPeople, Media in Mind and Boyd Legal.

The Key Retirement summer ball for Dementia UK at Barton Grange Hotel

“KR Group, based in Fulwood, has always been an active fund-raiser for a number of charities, but in 2014 we decided to adopt a single charity each year to focus our efforts.

“Previous charities include Prostate Cancer UK and The Silver Line.

“Dementia UK was a popular choice among staff when we asked for suggestions, as the illness is one that impacts a large number of people - there are currently 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK.

“We try to support charities that complement our business, in helping and supporting the over 55s.”

Proceeds from the ball will be added to the group’s ongoing total of £13,900. Members of staff have been working hard - and having fun - throughout the year to boost funds.

Hema adds: “So far we have held dress down days, bake sales, sponsored endurance events, keepy-uppy challenges in football and a Eurovision sweepstake.

“We still have other fund-raisers coming up. One of our directors is undertaking a 100km bike ride around London and we have an Olympic themed event planned for the office this summer.

“Our annual pub quiz night will also make a comeback in the autumn.”