Autism Aware UK Charity Ball 2012
Our first charity ball was held at the Alton Towers Resort on the 9th November 2012, it was a black tie event which was attended by 150 guests.
It was a phenomenal evening of raising autism awareness which was sponsored by Options Group.
The evening was hosted by Bret ‘Hollywood’ Freeman and had stunning performances from Martin Finn, Carly Ryan & Scott James.
There was also a great selection of raffle/auction prizes on offer which help us raise a total of £2,809 on the evening for our chosen charities.
The evening concluded with 2 fantastic sets from Staffordshire’s own ultimate party band The Supersets
The evening was such a success that we have decided to make this an annual event with our second ball being on Friday November 15th 2013 and will have a glamorous masquerade theme.
Kim & Jon Southall (Founders of Autism Aware UK)
Testimonials
“Before I go on to say what a fantastic event the Autism Aware 2012 Charity Ball was it is worth mentioning for those that did not have the privilege to attend that this was not an event organised from start to finish by a highly paid, full time events management company. This event was organised by a loving couple who wanted to raise as much awareness and money as possible for autism as a whole based on their experiences with their own autistic son. It was truly a night to remember and to rival any event I have previously attended!
The evening flowed amazingly well with a brilliant mix of awareness raising information and speeches, live performances from some incredible acts, the superb Supersets live band , dancing and the occasional glass of wine. I was lucky enough to be able to be seated with Jon and Kim, there delightful family and the magnificent compare Bret Freeman and his wife. The night produced a true roller coaster of emotions, with hairs standing up on the back of your neck during the performances from Martin, Carly and Scott to tears of laughter during some of the events.
I cannot wait to see what Jon and Kim will come up with in 2013 but I can assure you all that I for one will be supporting them all the way in their incredible work.
The Autism Aware UK Ball, the original and certainly the best.” – Iain Cliffe (Azure Holidays)
” It was a great night, the atmosphere was great and so were the people. I have to say my favorite part was hearing Martin sing, I love to hear him sing, he amazes me, I hope we are on the same table as him again this year.
We are looking forward to 2013’s ball, I have a feeling this one will be even better than the last. ” – Jennifer Kettle
“What a great ball! I had such a great time and the hosts are just so sexy. What can I say. Oh, and that devilish Bret Freeman… he can cage me anytime! ;) ” – Scott James
“It was an amazing event, the only issue was that it had to end! Great food & even greater company, and the chance to watch & listen to some very inspiring acts. The live band which followed, really bought the night to life – definitely recommend The Supersets to get a party started!!
Can’t wait for this years ball, don’t know how it could be bettered…” – Lois & Shane Rankin
“A fantastic evening, great planning , lovely venue , inspirational guest singers and most importantly raising awareness and funds for a cause close to all our hearts . Our table thoroughly enjoyed the night from start to finish – and got some fab pics to remember it by” – Zoe Clark
“A fantastic evening, a privilege to be involved with. It was a fabulous night enjoyed by all members from the Stafford Branch of the NAS. Inspirational singers and more moving. It was so lovely to help spread the awareness of autism with some wonderful people. Fabulous venue and planned out to a fabulous night. Looking forward to doing it all again” – Mandy Binns
“We had an absolutely fantastic evening!!! The company was great, the food was top notch and the entertainment was amazing!! Kim and Jon did a fantastic job organising it all and being hosts on the evening!! Lots of awareness was raised, and lots of money too!! Can’t wait for this years ball already!!” – Laura Barnes & Rob Marks
“A fantastic evening, Hosted by the lovely Jon & Kim, who worked tirelessly to organise the event. Great food and fantastic entertainment, by all who performed. All in all a truly wonderful evening” – Andrea Holt
“What can I say? All 4 people in my party had a fabulous time at the event.. Every detail was remarkably thought out and more than surpassed our expectations…. The food was gorgeous,the entertainment and acts which performed were fantastic!!! The venue and room was absolutely gorgeous. Such a fab event raising much needed awareness for Autism.Well done Jon and Kim , here is to this years!!!!” – Char Kollecker
“Well well well, what can i say? all i can say is AMAZING! everything about the whole night was brilliant. The wonderful host Bret Freeman was brilliant and being able to share a table with him and his wife made my night even more perfect. Meeting and seeing all the stars of the night was fantastic and hearing them sing made me have goose bumps they were that good. It was totally amazing and it’s all thanks to the wonderful Kim and Jon without you guys the night wouldn’t of even happened and i wouldn’t have met any celebrities, i can’t wait for this years charity ball and to begin fundraising again, thankyou all for wonderful night it couldn’t of been any better. One Word to sum up the first charity ball has to MAGNIFICENT” – Amber Fenton
“What a great night!! Venue was beautiful, the food was amazing along with the entertainment!! Not forgetting the great raffle, with fantastic prizes!! We cannot wait to take advantage of our trip to york!! Overnight stay,non stop food and entry to the viking center all for just the small donation of £5!! Amazing!! :-D we cannot wait for this years ball!! :-)” – Laurie Tams & Chris Hartley
If you attended our 2012 charity ball we would love you to see your feedback.
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