HAPPA Golden Anniversary Ball
DATE
May 2, 2024
CATEGORY
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HAPPA held a very special fundraising event in Burnley on Saturday 20th April to celebrate a milestone in the Charity’s history, its Golden Anniversary of its time in Burnley.
Celebrating 50 years of HAPPA rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming equines across the Northwest in 2024, the Golden Anniversary Ball was held in a very fitting venue, The Fence Gate, situated near to where the Charity began its time in Burnley at Greenbank Farm, Fence in 1984.
Guests were treated to a delicious three-course meal produced by the in-house team at the Fence Gate. Entertainment was provided by 80s legend, Nathan Moore, who put on a fantastic performance which had everyone on the dance floor. Nathan even shared some classic boyband moves from his days in Brother Beyond. Followed up with a fabulous disco, guests were dancing well into the night.
Reflections Entertainment captured memories to last with the 360 photobooth, with many guests having lots of fun with the giant sunglasses, hats and wigs.
Auction bidding was frantic as guests tried to outbid each other on 24 fantastic auction lots, ranging from tickets to the Moulin Rouge in Paris to see the world-famous Can-Can, a personalised Revolver boxset from Sir Paul McCartney, to Equine Stay Dry jackets and gift baskets of food and drink.
For those who missed out on auction lots there was still chance to win on the raffle which was crammed with prizes from tickets to Great Yorkshire Show, gift packs from Moorhouse’s Brewery to a cuddly foal starter set from Crafty Ponies.
Sarah Arthur, HAPPA’s Chief Executive Officer explains, “This year is such a significant milestone in HAPPA’s history, to celebrate this momentous occasion it was only fitting to bring back the HAPPA Ball. A night where our valued and loyal supporters and friends can come together to raise vital funds for the Charity. The evening certainly did not disappoint, the atmosphere was electric right from the start, amplified by fabulous entertainment provided by Nathan Moore and the hilarious auctioneer John Riding. Special thanks from myself and the Board of Trustees to everyone that joined us, donated a prize for the raffle and or auction, we hope you chose to support this special evening next year.”
Julie Pharaoh-Gan, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at the Charity, said of the event “After having to cancel our annual Ball due to Covid in 2020, the HAPPA team have been working behind the scenes to bring back this popular event for supporters and friends of the Charity. 2024 seemed such a fitting year to make the return, especially when we have so much to celebrate with the anniversary year. I have been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses and individuals who have contributed to making the event such a huge success. I am delighted that the final total raised was over £10,000. A massive thank you must go to the HAPPA team and volunteers whose hard work made the night a success and to all who attended to make it a night to remember. All funds raised will allow the Charity to continue to provide the very best in equine welfare.”
Following the success of this event HAPPA has made plans for the Ball to make its annual return on 26th April 2025. If you want to be part of a night of glad-rags and great entertainment please get in touch to secure your tickets on enquiries@happa.org.uk
HAPPA would like to give a special thank you to the following for their support:
DJ Darren of That’s All Folks
Sir Paul McCartney and MPL Communications
Elaine McGinley
Esther Towler Fine Art Photographer
Jessica Marchant
Kelly Marks and Intelligent
KL Equine Sports Massage & Rehabilitation
S.M.Art
Stanley House Veterinary Group
The Flower Bowl, Barton Grange
