Sixth annual Skegness RNLI Ball raises record figure

The Ball, sponsored by Centrica since its debut back in 2011, has now raised over £60,000 for the town's much loved RNLI station. Attended by over 180 guests and supporters, the event held at the Suncastle on the town's North Parade on 10 September 2016, has gone from strength to strength, a testimony to the support from local businesses and residents.
 
The evening saw entertainment from jazz group Tufty Gordon & friends and a sensational set by soul group Soul Intentions.
 
As in previous events, the Ball's raffle and auction raised huge sums towards the lifesaving charity's fundraising efforts. This year enormous support from attendees saw a total of over £4000 coming from jacket pockets and purses on the night. Prizes such as 49” 4k HD TV, an Apple iWatch and £250 of Eden Hall vouchers were on offer in the raffle whilst a trip on the town's forthcoming state of the art Shannon class lifeboat and an Audi R8 for the day were amongst the offerings for the evening's Auction lots.
 
Spokesman for the Ball committee, Skegness lifeboat Coxswain Ray Chapman MBE, has been overwhelmed by the response from local business and support from guests enjoying the night. He said: 'When we thought through the idea of a Ball back in 2011 we had no idea we would raise such a terrific amount for the RNLI, it really has been a very worthwhile endeavour. I’d just really like to thank everyone for their support, it’s been really great.'
 
Ray went on to say: 'These kinds of events make you realise how generous the people of Skegness are, its success is due largely to the support we’ve received.'
 
Notes to editors
 
• Full list of sponsors and supporters: Centrica plc, Bulidbase, Blue Anchor Leisure, Micronclean, Batemans Brewery, High-Tech Fire and Security ltd, JT’s Public House, NMC Surfacing ltd, Skegness Springs ltd, Boston Audi, Top of the Pile Quality Carpets ltd, John Lacy & Sons Plumbers, Coast & County Electrical Distributors, Bray Design, MKM Building Supplies, Copy Stat, Hallgate Lincs ltd, BB Insure, Electric Centre, Skegness Pier, Facial Attraction, G L Evans Construction ltd, Alan Gordon-Griffiths, RNLI College, The Suncastle, Dean Godden, Wrates Photographers, Tufty Gordon, 
 
 
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact –
• Adam Holmes, Lifeboat Press Officer (Volunteer) on 07966 282294 / [email protected]
• Alison Levett, RNLI Public Relations Manager, North, on 07786 668912 / [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.