A star studded Midsummer Ball hosted by Patron Simon Cowell for UK children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives, raised a staggering £400,000 in support of the charity’s work with seriously ill children and their families. The Midsummer Ball was supported by Coutts.
There was another tremendous boost when Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled plans to donate a Together for Short Lives’ branded purple Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II for a year to help the charity raise even more money for its vital work with children and families.
Together for Short Lives guests experienced a special night of magical midsummer entertainment. Marvin and Rochelle Humes hosted the event, introducing talent from Katie Melua, Stephen Mulhern, Jack Pack, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Isaac Waddington. Following an evening of stellar performances, Ball guests danced the night away with a DJ set from the legendary Grammy award winning producer William Orbit.
During the Midsummer Ball, and on behalf of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Simon Cowell handed the keys to a shiny and luxurious brand new purple Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II to Barbara Gelb, CEO for Together for Short Lives. This symbolic event gave the green light to a new Rolls-Royce and Together for Short Lives partnership to raise funds to help the charity deliver its vision for children and families.
We’re proud to be able to support Together for Short Lives and the remarkable work they do
Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
“We’re proud to be able to support Together for Short Lives and the remarkable work they do” said Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “I am certain that the funds raised on the evening and the activity planned throughout the next 12 months will have a lasting impact on the charity, allowing them to continue supporting thousands of children and their families throughout the UK.”
Barbara Gelb OBE, CEO for Together for Short Lives said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Simon Cowell, and the Midsummer Ball’s supporters, guests and stars who have made this such a memorable occasion – the staggering sum of £400,000 will make a lasting difference to our work with the UK’s 49,000 children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
And what’s more Rolls-Royce has given Together for Short Lives a transformational opportunity to work in partnership on a fantastic year-long campaign. I have just seen the purple Rolls-Royce for the first time when our Patron Simon Cowell handed the keys to me on behalf of Rolls Royce. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is stunning, and it’s so exciting to see our name and the vibrant purple colour of our brand. Over the coming year we have the most amazing venture with Rolls-Royce to raise awareness of the fantastic children’s hospice and palliative care services across the UK, and importantly to raise money to help families get the care and support they need.”
After dinner, Charlie Thomas, of world renowned auctioneers Bonhams, and Stephen Mulhern entertained guests and hosted the charity’s auction, raising funds to support Together for Short Lives work for children and families.