Whilst myself and Kevin were in Kenya earlier this year, our hard working and very dedicated team back in Manchester had been working non-stop organising our 3rd Charity Ball.

Our committee members set out mindful of the financial climate and the impact that may have on donations. Anne-Marie, Catherine, Karen, & Mike spent hours on the phone, internet and visiting people to ensure we had good auction and raffle prizes and they delivered beyond our expectations – Anne Marie’s dining room looked like Aladdin’s Cave in the run up to the event!

Saturday 8th May 2010 was indeed a night to remember, once we spied our Knight in Shining Armour, Joe Casserley we knew everything would run like clockwork! The champagne reception, got the night off to a great start, with the talented group Shake the Barley providing a warm welcome, who kindly waivered their fee.

We were also very privileged to see a performance from the Lally School of Irish Dancing, who were just back from winning the Junior Dance Drama at the 2010 World Championship. Then the charismatic Mr Cole Page accompanied by lovely Olivia Wood serenaded us all during the scrumptious four-course meal.

After a few words from myself and a screening of our latest DVD showing the progress at the Orphanage. There was not a dry eye in the house! Everyone was cheering & clapping, there was a real sense of pride and achievement as we all realised what an impact these funds have. Joe with his very his very experience side kick Mike Senior saw us through the auction, providing many laughs and much needed funds, the generosity was just unbelievable.

Then the chance for us all to let our hair down, the dance floor quickly filled up with Goodfellas Band from Ireland and surprise guest yes, Elvis O’Gara made an appearance! The night was finished off by some great music from Kevin Junior & Joe Mack. The night was a resounding success but it’s down to the hard work of a very dedicated team and without them The Good Life Orphanage would not provide a home for 40 children.

Thanks to the following:

Lancashire Country Cricket Club Barkers Florists, Timperley

The Red Hall Hotel, Ramsbottom Bernie O’Brien & Martin White

Shake the Barley Lalley School of Irish Dancing

Father Paul Cannon Cole Paige & Olivia Wood

Flynn Construction Goodfellas Band

Elvis O’Gara Kevin Junior & Joe Mack

IPA Printing Emma & Sejal

And of course big thanks to everyone who donated either a raffle or auction prize and to everyone who bid on the auction prizes or bought a ticket for the raffle.

A Special Thanks to Joe Casserley, your M.C. skills are simply the best!

Last but by no means least Anne-Marie, Catherine, Karen & Mike without your support, hard work and commitment Kevin & myself would be lost!!

Please visit www.bernieobrien.co.uk & www.thefullirish.net for a great collection of photographs from the night.

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