Oh what a night: Action for Children's Starry Night Gala
Last week, our second Starry Night Gala took place in the Ballroom on Piccadilly, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, London. The event raised over £225,000 for vulnerable children, young people and families across the UK.
Hosted by Louise Boyce aka Mamma’s Still Got It, the night saw celebrity guests and VIPs immersed in glamour and entertainment, while raising vital funds for vulnerable children and young people.
Headlining the star-studded evening was singer / songwriter Rebecca Ferguson MBE, alongside 13-year-old Tobbi from Moray, Scotland. Tobbi was supported by Action for Children following a difficult early childhood.
Northern Ireland’s Sophie Lennon, known for her appearances on Britain’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent and Junior Eurovision, also performed on the night. Sophie is a young carer for her disabled older brother Connor.
The guests were also treated to DJ sets from 15–year-old Harry and 13-year-old McKenzie from an Action for Children service in Wales alongside Magic FM’s Kat Shoob and Tom Price.
Donate and you could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.
Our Starry Night Gala welcomed over 250 special guests, including Angela Rippon, TV host, Vanessa Feltz; Love Island winners Kai Fagan and Sannam Harrinanan, Jimmy Akingbola, Georgia Jones, Antique's Roadshow Host Ronnie Archer-Morgan, Kelsey Parker, Georgia Jones, Laura Hamilton, Jimmy Akingbola, Sola Akingbola, Fats Timbo, Debbie Bright, Olivia Cox, Janey Smith and Roger Hawes, Jay Howard, Pandora Christie and Sophie Tea.
Rebecca Ferguson MBE was ‘beaming with pride’ after performing Tina Turner’s Proud Mary alongside 13-year-old Tobbi from Moray, Scotland.
Tobbi was placed in care after a difficult early childhood. Four years ago, he was fostered through Action for Children by Allan and Carol. Tobbi had missed a lot of school and struggled with reading and writing, but is now thriving. Ahead of the gala, Tobbi and Allan met with Rebecca at a recording studio, to prepare for their special duet.
It’s been lovely to meet Tobbi and hear about his passion for music and theatre. We had a good time running through a whole host of songs, practicing a few different singing techniques and hopefully I passed on a few useful tips along the way.
Allan, 68, Tobbi’s foster father said: “Watching my boy perform on stage with Rebecca Ferguson brought a tear to my eye. Tobbi is a world away from the timid boy who showed up on our doorstep. To see his pure joy letting loose and dancing to Tina Turner’s Proud Mary is a feeling like no other.”
The night also featured a moving speech from Action for Children’s Chief Executive Paul Carberry, and inspiring words from our Chair of Trustees, Sarika Patel. Our Ambassador, Angela Rippon CBE led a heartfelt pledge moment, which alongside an amazing live auction, silent auction and grand raffle, helped raise over £225,000.
Host Louise Boyce said: “While many parents will go above and beyond to ensure their children have a magical childhood – the winter months bring in additional costs for families that are already struggling to make ends meet."
She added: "With rising bills and the added pressure of Christmas around the corner, some parents face the heartbreaking reality of not being able to afford essentials like warm winter clothes and hot, nutritious meals for their children."
"It’s great that there is help available through Action for Children, but they simply couldn’t do what they do without fundraising events like the Starry Night Gala and the generosity of the public.”
We’re all here with one goal and that’s to raise funds for Action for Children and ensure more children like Tobbi have a safe and happy childhood.
Rebecca Ferguson MBE
Overall it was an incredible event that came together after months of hard work. Thank you to everyone who joined us at this year's gala. Last year, Action for Children helped over 687,755 children, young people and families. With your support, we could reach even more.
Donate and you could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.
To find our more about our Starry Night Gala, and to register your interest in next year’s event, please contact: [email protected] or visit our events page.
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