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 Belfast was awash with A-list celebrities on Saturday 3 October as stars of the stage, screen and sport mingled with leaders of local business to raise vital funds for Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
The White Sapphire Ball, which took place at the Europa Hotel, attracted big name celebrity guests including Gloria Hunniford, John Daly, Hollyoaks stars Gerard McCarthy, Emma Rigby and Kent Riley, Coronation Street cast members Kym Marsh and Helen Flannagan, Irish rugby international Tommy Bowe, Michelle Heaton, Rosanna Davison, Tim McGarry and Welsh rugby international Jonathan Thomas.
A glamorous red carpet event, the cast of Riverdance headlined with an exclusive set of extracts from their smash-hit show. Entertainment was also provided by West End star Lee Mead, comedian Tim McGarry, the Ireland String Quartet, Methody Junior Choir, James Huish and Cameoflage.
The ‘Money Can't Buy' Auction raised £40,000 and host Gloria Hunniford donated an additional £10,000 from the Caron Keating Foundation. Auction items included a walk-on part in Hollyoaks, and dinner with star Gerard McCarthy, which went for £4,500, Belfast superchef Michael Deane's gourmet dinner-for-eight served up £3,500, a Brian May guitar brought in £2,900 and signed Madonna children's books fetched £1,100.
The White Sapphire Ball was organised by Belfast actress Séaínin Brennan.
Claire Brown, Regional Fundraiser for the NI Children's Hospice said: "An absolutely fabulous evening! Northern Ireland Children's Hospice is delighted to be associated with such a prestigious event and is indebted to Seainin for choosing us as the charity to benefit from all her hard work.
She has worked tirelessly over recent months to ensure that the Ball was a success and it raised much money as possible for the children that we care for. The money raised is much needed and will be put to good use at the Children's Hospice helping us continue giving our children and their families the special care and attention they need. On their behalf I would like to extend a very big thank you to Seainin for everthing that she has done and achieved."
Photography by Bill Smyth.
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