A Night Truly out of this World

The 2025 Smile Ball brought together an incredible room of supporters at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull for our space themed, A Night Out of this World, celebrating the life-changing impact of local charities and voluntary groups across Hull and East Yorkshire.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, generosity and a commitment to making sure people in our communities have the support they need, when they need it.

During the evening, guests were invited to imagine a voluntary sector blackout, through a powerful film that highlighted just how different life would look, without the charities and community groups we all rely on. This was followed by a moving case study film, created by Nova Studios, showing how people locally are supported by incredible voluntary organisations, with HEY Smile Foundation working quietly in the background to help those charities shine.

Among the many prizes and moments of fun, three lucky guests went home with the top raffle prizes: a holiday sponsored by Papas Group, dazzling diamond earrings from Hugh Rice Jewellers, and a luxury weekend away thanks to Jane Brooks Law. A bonus prize of a city break for two, sponsored by Beverley Travel, added even more excitement to an already unforgettable night.

We Raised £30,000

After costs, the Smile Ball raised an amazing £30,000, the highest total ever achieved from one of our events, thanks to a wonderful supporter rounding up the initial £29,075. This phenomenal result was only possible because of the business community’s out-of-this-world support, from taking tables to covering event costs, donating prizes and providing sponsorship so that as much as possible could go back into supporting local good causes.

As a charity that exists to empower and strengthen the voluntary and community sector, HEY Smile Foundation is deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing this year’s Smile Ball to life. From our fantastic Smile Ball committee; Danielle Rice, Mark Waite and Steve Degg, creative partner, Kevin Wilkie from Umber Creative, brilliant host, Darren Lethem and every guest in the room, your kindness and backing mean we can continue supporting the organisations that make our region such a special place to live.

We can’t SMILE without you!