Smile’s Mad Hatter Ball kicked off our 10th birthday celebrations with a bang raising over £9,000.

Held at Lazaat Hotel and Restaurant the event celebrated the Smile Foundation’s achievements over the last 10 years. The Alice in Wonderland themed event gave away a trip to Berlin and other luxury prizes kindly donated by Smile supporters.

Hugh Rice, one of the UK’s most prestigious family jewellers, was Smile Mad Hatter Ball main event partner and supported us to bring the event to life.

Smile worked closely with the Industries Team at HMP Hull where the learners created incredible props to create a magical Wonderland atmosphere. Props included an 8mx8m mural, an enormous rabbit hole, giant mushrooms and larger than life top hat, cup and saucer and pocket watch. These items have already positively impacted on local groups, with both Hull Carnival Arts and the Children’s Centre on Cottingham Road receiving the props.

Andrew Barber, Smile’s CEO, explained:

“This is a great example of how our partnership approach provides value and impact to others: creating the props gave purpose to the learners at HMP Hull, enjoyment to our guests and saved funds for Smile and the benefitting organisations.”

Funds raised at the Mad Hatter Ball will support Smile to continue our growing work with charities across Hull and East Yorkshire as we look to extend the Smile Vault service in 2019. The Smile Vault is a library of equipment and resources, which charities across our area can borrow for free to enhance their delivery and events.

As per previous years, the Ball also contributes to the Christmas support we invest across the region. This includes the Smile Christmas Appeal and the magical Santa Steam Train Trip, which provides 80 young people in foster care a magical start to their Christmas. 

To date, our annual Ball series has raised almost £70,000. We simply couldn’t do this without the support of our Smile friends and business supporters. In addition, we have a wonderful Ball Committee, this year comprising of representatives from Hugh Rice, Santander and RSM.

The Smile Foundation is based at Gosschalks Solicitors, and works hard to bring good intentions to life across Hull and East Yorkshire. At this year’s event we played a short video celebrating people’s funny memories about our CEO Andrew Barber, who has successfully led Smile for the last 10 years. The full photo gallery can be found on our Facebook page.

Full Prize List

Hugh Rice: £500 voucher

Smile/Hugh Rice: Trip for two to Berlin

Irwin Mitchell: Hotel Chocolat Hamper

Nippon Gohsei: Pipe and Glass Meal and overnight stay

The Village Hotel: One night bed and breakfast, plus dinner for two

Bonus Arena: 2xVIP tickets to Love Actually

Mercure Willerby: Leisure membership and free stay voucher

Sargent Electrical: Laurel Vines wine hamper

Double Tree by Hilton Hull: Afternoon tea for two with prosecco

Umber Creative: Apple watch

Napoleons Casino and Restaurant: Meal for voucher for six

P&O Ferries: Dutch Dash trip for two

Two Gingers Coffee House: Afternoon tea for two 

The One Point: Huawei MediaPad T3 8

Big thanks to G F Smith for our beautiful stationary!

Tickets for next year’s event will be on sale in the New Year.