A Night to Remember: PFC Trust’s Green & Blue Ball Raises Over £100,000 for Fourth Year Running.

The PFC Trust's annual Green & Blue Ball has once again proven to be a resounding success by comfortably raising more than £100,000 for the fourth consecutive year. The remarkable fundraising feat was celebrated at a spectacular evening held at Hartlepool College of Further Education last weekend, which saw 270 guests come together for a night of entertainment and generosity.

Pictures: Chris Booth

This year’s ball was made possible thanks to the generous support of platinum sponsors Plastic Processing Ltd and an impressive 20 sponsors overall, who contributed £30,000 to an incredible final total that is still being counted.

The smooth running of the evening - which encourages guests to incorporate the PFC Trust’s signature green and blue colours into their attire - was largely down to the dedication of 40 invaluable volunteers. Kelly Brooks, Operations and Funding Manager at The PFC Trust, said: “The volunteers make the night that extra special. “If we’d have to pay for the volunteers as staff on the evening, then we wouldn’t be able to raise anywhere near what we do. The overwhelming feedback from guests has been so positive and that's what matters. ”Kelly added: “I’m still taking it all in after an incredible weekend hosting The PFC Trust Annual Green and Blue Ball.

Pictures: Chris Booth

Months of planning, countless hours of preparation and a million small decisions all came together for one unforgettable night.“ Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, creating memories and celebrating together made every bit of the hard work worth it. “I’m so proud of the event, proud of the experience we created and, most of all, proud of the amazing team and volunteers who helped make it all happen. “Even better, we’re still finalising the numbers, but it looks like we’ve raised an incredible amount - which is remarkable and will make such a difference. ”The PFC Trust, established by Patrick and Frances Connolly, has seen the annual ball become a cornerstone of fundraising for their vital community work. Frances said: "The Green & Blue Ball is so much more than just a fantastic night out because it's the lifeblood of our efforts to support the community. "Each year, we're overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit in the room, and this year was no exception. 

"The incredible sum raised will go directly towards reaching even more people in need, funding vital projects and initiatives that make a real, tangible difference. It's about strengthening our community, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. That's what makes all the hard work worthwhile."

Pictures: Chris Booth

This year’s event was graced by the presence of legendary former England and Liverpool winger John Barnes, who delighted the crowd by even performing his iconic England rap from World in Motion.

The evening commenced with a performance from the Muir School of Irish Dancing, followed by entertainment from local singer Lennon Hutchinson, son of Hartlepool’s world masters athletics champion Keith Hutchinson.

Guests were treated to a mix of magicians, entertainment, auctions and raffles, as well as first hand accounts from individuals like Keith, sharing how The PFC Trust has positively impacted their lives. A live band performance brought the successful night to a close.

Pictures: Chris Booth

The evening welcomed West End stars Alice Stokoe and Sam Ducane as guests as well as notable attendees such as BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown, former European Tour golfer Graeme Storm, ex-Middlesbrough player Andrew Taylor and Spennymoor’s Wembley-bound former Hartlepool and Boro footballer Matty Dolan. They mixed with numerous other special guests and business leaders.

The success of The PFC Trust’s Green & Blue Ball means that the incredible generosity and community spirit shown in Hartlepool and the surrounding area can ensure the charity will continue to make a significant difference to the lives of many across the area.

*For further information about how to get involved with The PFC Trust check out www.thepfctrust.org