Wasdell gets behind Rotary Club of Swindon’s Ball in Putting on The Ritz

The committee of the town’s annual Rotary Club of Swindon’s Charity Ball has announced that Wasdell, the Swindon-based specialist manufacturing partner to the pharmaceutical and nutritional industries, is to be the sole sponsor of this year’s gala event.

This year’s Charity Ball is being held at the Marriott Hotel, Swindon, on Saturday 16 May. It is based around the theme of Putting on The Ritz. This will be the Charity Ball’s 31^st year, and is likely to take the total raised for local good causes to date to over £1 million.

Last year the ball raised £16,800 for organisations including the Harbour Project, STEP, Hreod Burna Urban Forest, Wiltshire Search & Rescue, Friends of TWIGS, Big Breakfast +, 12th Swindon Scout Group and Swindon & District Samaritans.

This year proceeds from the night will go to the Swindon Night Shelter and The Open Door Centre.  The Night Shelter offers a hot meal, shower and a bed for the night to people who are homeless or vulnerable. The Open Door Centre exists to make a positive difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, so its members can achieve their highest potential.

Charity Ball Chairman Rob Gillespie said the Committee is thrilled to have secured a sole sponsor.

“Wasdell have been extraordinarily generous in supporting this,” said Rob.

“It’s really appreciated that a local, family-run company is keen to give back to the community in which it is based. It is also another demonstration of tremendous generosity from within Swindon’s business community. This means that all the proceeds from ticket sales, auction and raffles will go straight to the charities themselves.”

Martin Tedham, Chairman of the Wasdell Group, said the Company is very pleased to be able to support an event that helps many local people in need.

“As a local company we believe part of our role is to extend help to those vulnerable people who may not be lucky enough to be able to work at the moment,” said Martin.

“The Rotary Ball is a highly successful event that is not only great fun, but is very efficient in raising funds for organisations that can make a real difference to those in need. We are delighted to be able to help them achieve this objective this year.”

The charity ball has established itself as one of the biggest fundraisers in the area.  All tables have already been taken, but businesses can still donate prizes for raffles if they have been unable to secure a table for the night.

For more information, contact Sue Frawley on [email protected] or Debbie Vincent on [email protected].