NEWS RELEASE
Monday 16 October 2006
FAO News Editor
Sell out Fashion Show in aid of Corrymeela; host Nuala McKeever, generously supported by La Mon Hotel and Marks & Spencer
The only zero’s at the Corrymeela fashion show were attached to the money raised on the night in aid of Corrymeela’s reconciliation work. Volunteers were strutting their stuff for a fashion fundraiser showing the best of Marks & Spencer’s autumn range of clothing for all the family.
This event generously hosted by Francis Brady of the La Mon Hotel and Country Club saw Marks & Spencer taking the imaginative step of allowing their clothes to be modeled by Corrymeela community members and staff, of all shapes sizes and ages, showcasing outfits from M&S’s autumn collection. The audience of over 620 guests enjoyed the spectacle of the bridal collection from Wedded Bliss Bridal House. The event was hosted by Nuala McKeever, the gifted and talented comedienne who hilariously entertained the guests and models alike.
Nigel Gray, Area Manager Northern Ireland and Isle of Man, commented: “I am delighted to have been able to support this fantastic event with Corrymeela and Marks & Spencer both celebrating 40 years in Northern Ireland.
‘On behalf of Marks & Spencer, I would like to commend the efforts of everyone who took part. It has been Marks & Spencer’s pleasure to provide the clothing for such a well organized and professional show.
Marks & Spencer is a store for all the family and we are delighted to have been able to support Corrymeela in this way.”
The sell out show was organised by volunteers and a number of corporate supporters, and will raise over £7,500 for Corrymeela’s vital work with children, young people and their families at the Ballycastle Centre and out in the community. Part of the commitment of Corrymeela Community members is to volunteer, and most members would spend time working residentially at the Ballycastle centre 3 or 4 times a year. However, to be in a model in a fashion show is probably one of the more unusual demands. Corrymeela’s volunteers and community members help to raise over £400,000 every year towards funding the essential work of the charity.
Jo Watson, Fundraising Director at Corrymeela said: "We are excited to be benefiting from such a glamorous event, and are extremely grateful to all those involved for their time and talent, especially Bev Gray, choreographer, who donated so much of her time and expertise to this event. Over 7,000 people participate in Corrymeela programmes every year, and the money raised this evening will go towards this essential work with children, young people, families and the many groups who benefit from the organised residential programmes.”
Nuala McKeever, compere for the show, said “It is a pleasure to come along this evening to lend my support to such a worthwhile charity. It is great craic to see families from grandparents, parents and grandchildren enjoying their modeling debut together. I think that sums up what Corrymeela is all about, everyone having fun together, sharing good company, whatever your age, background or religion.”
Ronnie Millar, Corrymeela Centre Director at Ballycastle said,” I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in tonight’s show, but I have to say the real fun started back in June when the rehearsals started; it has been enjoyable but a lot of hard work for everyone including the many people back stage. Corrymeela relies on the kind support of people and businesses to fund our various activities at the centre and I am delighted to say thank you to the many business such as La Mon Hotel and their staff who worked for free, Marks & Spencer, Wedded Bliss Bridal House, Dromona, The Flower Garden, Carecall Solutions Ltd and many more.”
For further information on Corrymeela, please contact Corrymeela House, 8 Upper Crescent, Belfast BT7 1NT Tel 028 9050 8080 www.corrymeela.org
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For more information, please contact Fundraising Director Jo Watson on 020 9050 8080 (day), jowatson@corrymeela.org (e-mail).
Photographs are attached by Paul McErlane