MYTIME 10th Anniversary Ball donations send over 1300 Christmas bags to young carers

5th Dec 2023

We celebrated a decade of impact at the unforgettable 10th Anniversary Ball held at Bournemouth's Hilton hotel. 

mytime ball pic

Gathering 240 members of our incredible local community, the night was a testament to the generosity and compassion that defines our MYTIME family.

This incredible evening, generously sponsored by our dear partners and friends, Frettens Solicitors, surpassed all expectations by raising over £20,000. The funds collected have made a significant contribution to our Operation Christmas campaign, ensuring the delivery of 1300 Christmas bags to young carers in Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

The night kicked off with a glamorous red carpet entrance and welcoming drinks, setting the tone for an evening filled with warmth and celebration. Our CEO, Krista Sharp, delivered an inspiring opening speech, setting the stage for a captivating live Q&A session featuring VIP guests Oritse Williams from JLS, a young carer ambassador, and Professor Saul Becker, a leading expert on young carers. Both shared poignant personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by young carers striving to enjoy a childhood and future that other children have.

As guests indulged in a delectable three-course meal, our Corporate Partnership Executive, Tim Sills, orchestrated an entertaining game of Play Your Cards Right, adding a touch of fun to the night. The exceptional auction, led by Jimmy Glass, further fueled the generosity of our community. The night concluded with Chair of Trustees Paul Tansey's closing remarks, marked by a jubilant rendition of Happy Birthday, symbolizing MYTIME's milestone. And, of course, the festivities continued with vibrant dancing, courtesy of a dynamic DJ and saxophonist duo.

At MYTIME Young Carers, our primary goal is to support young carers responsible for loved ones at home, especially during challenging times like Christmas. The Operation Christmas campaign aims to bring joy to these young heroes by delivering specially curated goody bags. Thanks to the overwhelming success of the 10th Anniversary Ball, this initiative has received substantial funding, ensuring the delivery of these bags and spreading Christmas cheer to young carers.

The Ball stands as a highlight in a year filled with remarkable community fundraising achievements, including the inaugural golf day, the MYTIME Big Beach Clean, participation in the Run Bournemouth 10K with 40 runners supporting MYTIME, and a significant £70,000 win in The National Lottery's Peoples Project.

In 2023, MYTIME Young Carers made substantial strides in raising awareness of the challenges faced by young carers, collaborating closely with local businesses and numerous schools in Dorset and the Isle of Wight. This tireless effort paves the way for an even more impactful 2024, as MYTIME continues its mission to secure essential support, opportunities, and friendship for every young carer.

Thank you to everyone who made the 10th Anniversary Ball a night to remember. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of young carers, one celebration at a time. Here's to many more years of compassion, community, and positive change! 🌈❤️