Sunday 27 February 2011

Oh, what a night!

Two fundraisers in two different British countries netted more than £2,000 for the Happy House on Friday, writes Elizabeth Gomm.
In Scotland, Agnes and Brian Crighton, helped by family and friends, held a race night at their village pub - the Macdonald Arms, Belbeggie, raising an incredible £1,470 - with still more to come.
A delighted Agnes, who sponsors baby Harry, said: "It was a wonderful night and people were so generous and so interested in the Happy House."
Across the border, in Blackpool, a Chinese Banquet at the Ocean Palace, hosted by Barbara Holden (who sponsors Jedidah), raised another £600. There was a bumper raffle, guess the number of choclates, Easter goody bags, name the Happy House smile, plus sponsor an Easter chicken for the Happy House.
And the evening also gave a bright young talent a chance to make her performance debut. Although only just 12, Melissa Miles has a strong and beautiful voice and  she certainly deserved the  huge round of applause she received  at the end of a stunning set of songs - just remember, you saw her name here first!
There was a surprise,too, for guest Emma Fineman, celebrating her 10th birthday, when she was presented with a birthday cake, card and a Happy House chick.
Emma will be visiting the Happy House later in the year with her mum Jackie and sister Hailey to visit their sponsor children, Charity and Stevie.
Thank you to Agnes and Brian and Barbara and Steve Holden and to everyone who helped them in any way, to those who donated prizes and, of course, to those who went along to make the events such successes.
The night brought a great result and some desperately needed cash to help meet the huge costs of providing the very best in childcare for our ever growing Happy House family.
Pictures show: Guests at the Chinese banquet, singer Melissa Miles and birthday girl Emma Fineman with her mum and sister.
Watch this space for pictures of the Scottish race night!