Kings Heath BID raises funds for local charity

Ball helps community group.

The second annual Kings Heath Holly Ball organised by the Kings Heath Business Improvement District took place last Saturday, 6th December, in the beautiful surroundings of Highbury Hall, and raised just under £600 for local charity the Robin Centre.

This year saw the Kings Heath BID release two tickets types to meet the demand of the local community, with a Full Evening ticket at £45 and a later released After Dinner Ticket at £8 to ensure everyone could go to the ball.

The evening brought guest a drinks reception on arrival, silver service three course meal, and live entertainment from Ricky Cool and the In Crowd, who have previously supported the likes of Billy Connolly.

Also as part of the evenings proceedings the Kings Heath BID arranged a raffle and charity auction to raise funds for the Robin Centre. Many local businesses donated prizes and handmade wreaths which were auctioned off, resulting in collecting an impressive £582 on behalf of the local nominated charity.

Kings Heath Town Centre Manager Kate Smart said: “We are so proud to be able to raise money for the Robin Centre, such a worthwhile local cause, and a big thank you to everyone who came, donated prizes and helped us raise funds for the Robin Centre as part of the Holly Ball.”

“There is such a great atmosphere in Kings Heath all our local businesses rallied together to make wreaths or offer prizes to feature in the auction, and at an already busy time of year it really is testament to the all great businesses we have in Kings Heath.

“This is the second Holly Ball, and our aim is always the same; to showcase that Kings Heath has more than just a great High Street, whilst putting on a great event in a beautiful venue. We hope everyone had a wonderful time, and we very much look forward to the next one.”

All money raised as part of the charity raffle and auction will go towards supporting local Kings Heath charity the Robin Centre, located in the All Saints Centre. The Robin Centre provides care and relief for the elderly in the local community, whilst supporting them to live independently. Day manager Marvis Mckenzie explains what this means to the centre; “We are so thrilled and grateful for this event, it offers us the support to create activities for the older people at the centre. The money raised as part of The Holly Ball will help go towards our special meals out, which work to help integrate our older people, re-build their confidence and help them to socialise within the Kings Heath area.

“It will also go towards helping us with transport services, such as Ring & Ride buses, which is an imperative service when taking the older people out, and is not included in our budget.”