The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City FC, the X Factor, Stephen Fry, Russell Brand, Victoria Wood, Sir Cliff Richard, and Elbow, have all just donated items for a major fundraising auction being held by the charity in aid of the unique new service they are developing, named ‘Everystep’.
National social care charity CIC Group (Community Integrated Care) has just received the backing of a host of celebrities and top businesses as it fundraises for its ground-breaking, new £5 million specialist dementia care service in Manchester.
Taking place at The Monastery in Manchester on Friday November 4th, the fundraiser will be hosted by Salford born film and television actor Robert Powell (Jesus of Nazareth, Holby City) and will feature musical entertainment from local X-Factor star, Laura White.
The new Blackley-based service, opening in spring 2012, will be one of the most innovative services for dementia sufferers in the UK. It will provide a wide range of care and support to people suffering from with dementia, ensuring that they have access to specially trained staff in state-of-the-art facilities.
The fundraiser has attracted a number of exclusive prizes, including tickets to the 2011 X-Factor Grand Final; a backstage meet-and-greet with actress and dementia campaigner, Lynda Bellingham, at the hit theatre show, ‘Calendar Girls’; a designer purse and personal message from Victoria Wood; and signed merchandise from both Manchester United and Manchester City.
Ingrid Smillie, CIC’s Director of Strategic Projects said, “Dementia is a challenging condition that touches the lives of many people. Our service will give people with dementia a far greater quality of life and because of this, we have received incredible backing from the local community and beyond. We have been genuinely overwhelmed by the support our fundraiser has been given from celebrities and businesses, keen to get behind such an innovative and much needed service.”
She added, “There are still opportunities for local businesses and members of the community to show their support for our cause too, by attending or sponsoring our fantastic event or donating raffle prizes. Our fundraiser is a great way for local companies to support their community and at the same time be part of a high-profile and prestigious event.”
Robert Powell, host for the celeb-studded fundraiser night said: “I am looking forward to being involved in a fundraising event for such an important project. Dementia is a condition that will probably touch all our lives eventually and it is hard to think of an enterprise more deserving of our help. Added to which it gives me an excuse (as if any were needed) to return to my roots in Manchester.”
X-Factor star, Laura White, added: “This is such a worthwhile cause and the money raised will help many local people who need extra care and support in their later years. I am so glad to be able to help a little. I hope that everyone has a great evening and lots of money is raised.”