A local charity is appealing for support after its flagship annual event had to be cancelled on Saturday, October 21 due to a major power-cut in Aberdeen.
Inspire PTL’s ‘Sparkles Ball 2017’ was due to be held at the Beach Ballroom but had to be cancelled on health and safety grounds following an early evening power cut which affected many homes and businesses in the Beach area, including the Ballroom, where more than 300 people had been due to attend. The power-cut happened around 5pm and following advice that power would not be restored until after 8pm there was no alternative but to cancel the event.
Inspire empowers the life choices of almost 400 people with learning disabilities and additional support needs and the Sparkles Ball has been the highlight of the social calendar for over ten years, with people travelling from as far afield as Peterhead, Elgin, Stonehaven, Aboyne and Inverurie to attend in their finery.
The event has been re-arranged for Saturday February 17, 2018 and will have a Valentine’s theme. However, due to the cancellation, a number of increased costs were incurred by the charity as additional transport was required to ensure everyone got home promptly and safely and to ensure that those who had travelled from further afield were able to have a hot meal.
Inspire PTL CEO, Linda Gray commented:
“We are all really disappointed that the night ended the way that it did as this is the event of the year for everyone supported by Inspire. However, given the fact that the venue had no power at all when the majority of people had arrived for the event we really had no choice but to cancel. I’d like to thank the quick thinking staff at the Beach Ballroom for their excellent management of the situation and for promptly rearranging the event for everyone as well as all the Inspire staff for their understanding and adaptability to ensure the people we support were well looked after and had an alternative evening’s entertainment.
“While the timing of the cancellation wasn’t ideal we are grateful that it didn’t happen when 300 people were already in the venue. We are all looking forward to the rearranged event in February 2018 but we do obviously have concerns over the funding of the various elements like transportation and decorations and would therefore appeal to any individuals or businesses out there who feel they may be able to support us – either financially or through the donation of goods or expertise – to get in touch.”
Anyone who feels they may be able to offer support should call 01224 280 005 or e-mail Linda.gray@inspiremail.org.uk