FUNDRAISING BALL MAKES THOUSANDS FOR MACCLESFIELD CHARITY

A Macclesfield charity has been boosted following its annual fundraising ball at The Tytherington Club.

JJ’s Sensory Play Centre’s fifth annual charity ball, sponsored again by Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen, generated over £7,000 for the South Cheshire children’s charity.

JJ’s, which relies entirely on donations, is a soft padded multi-sensory facility that provides relaxation and stimulation for children and adults with special needs.

The money raised will go towards the annual costs of providing the centre, which co-founder Joanne Griffiths admits needs all the money it can get.

She said: “The charity ball has helped raise money which is vital to keep the charity going.

“It costs about £45,000 a year to run the charity and the annual ball is key to the centre remaining open.

“The continued success of the ball and the play centre isn’t possible without the support of local businesses, including Gilbert Lawton, and this is greatly appreciated by everyone at JJ’s.”

The centre is open six days a week and has over 200 people regular coming along to use the facilities.

It is primarily aimed at children and adults with learning disabilities, but is open for children under three who don’t come under those categories.

Further improvements are planned but Joanne knows without further investment the additional equipment will be put on hold.

She added: “As people spend less money on activities so we have seen a drop in revenue and while we understand the situation, it’s frustrating we can’t improve the current facilities for those who attend JJ’s.

“Ideally the centre needs about £10,000 for a new lighting system which would greatly improve the enjoyment and benefits to the children and adults.”

Nick Ashton, brand manager at Gilbert Lawton Macclesfield, said: “JJ’s provides a fantastic service to the local and regional community and we’re delighted to be able to continue our involvement in raising money and awareness of the charity for the third consecutive year.

“We are constantly looking at new ways of raising money for JJ’s and look forward to continuing to help in 2012.”

JJ’S CHARITY BALL RAISES THOUSANDS

The third annual charity ball by JJ’s Sensory Play Centre has raised over £6,500 for the South Cheshire children’s charity.

A total of £6,550 was raised before, during and after the Oscar-themed ball at Tytherington Hall Golf Club.

Part of the money raised will go towards the ongoing fund, started by main sponsor Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen, to install a hydrotherapy pool at the Hurdsfield Industrial Estate centre.

The rest has already been allocated to buy new equipment to update and extend the sensory room.

JJ’s, which relies entirely on donations, is a soft padded multi-sensory facility that provides relaxation and stimulation for children and adults with special needs.

Joanne Griffiths, co-founder of JJ’s, said: “I’m delighted with the money raised as it means additional equipment can be installed immediately for the children to enjoy and benefit from.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local businesses, including Gilbert Lawton, and this is greatly appreciated by everyone at JJ’s.”

Nick Ashton, brand manager at Gilbert Lawton Macclesfield, said: “JJ’s provides a fantastic service to the community and we’re delighted to be able to continue our involvement in raising money and awareness of the charity.”

YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL! GILBERT LAWTON VOLKSWAGEN BACKS FUNDRAISING EVENT

Macclesfield’s car retailer Gilbert Lawton has pledged its ongoing support to sensory play centre JJ’s by sponsoring its annual fundraising black-tie ball.

The Volkswagen site has worked alongside JJ’s for the past two years to raise funds and awareness of the play centre, which relies solely on donations to operate, and has committed to sponsor the 2010 ball; a major source of vital funds.

The event will take place at Tytherington Golf Club in Dorchester Way on Saturday September 18th.

JJ’s, on Hurdsfield Industrial Estate, is a soft padded multi-sensory facility that provides relaxation and stimulation for children and adults with special needs, and hopes to raise £10,000 at the ball.

Joanne Griffiths, co-founder of JJ’s, said: “Gilbert Lawton has been a huge supporter of JJ’s over the past two years and we’re delighted that the retailer has chosen to continue its support for the centre.

“The ball is always well attended and it’s the highlight of all the events we work on. The funds raised during the course of the night will help us continue to provide vital support and stimulation to the hundreds of children and adults who use the centre.”

Nick Ashton, brand manager at Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen, said: “We’ve worked closely with JJ’s over the past couple of years and we’ve seen first hand what a fantastic resource the centre is. We’re delighted to continue our support and we’re thoroughly looking forward to the ball, which is always a superb occasion.

Joanne added: “I’m pleased to announce all tickets have now been sold but we’re hoping for further prizes from local businesses.”

To donate a prize call 01625 667 872.