Joanna Simpson Foundation Turquoise Ball
The Joanna Simpson Foundation (JSF) hosted their second Turquoise Ball in May to raise funds for their Domestic Abuse Support worker based on the island, working in partnership with The Children’s Centre.
Set at the fabulous Ballacooiley Equestrian Estate, in a marquee generously donated by Joanna Crookall, JSF chairwoman, the foundation welcomed over 200 people for the evening. It was a beautiful, gloriously sunny evening, which meant guests were able to enjoy their welcome drinks outside.
The Lieutenant Governor, General Sir John Lorimer opened proceedings following the champagne reception. Hetti Barkworth-Nanton former Trustee and co-founder of The Joanna Simpson Foundation, now Chairperson of Women's Refuge UK, spoke passionately about the organisation, what it stands for and why funds are so desperately needed.
Joff Whitten, Head of Centre, Janet Bailey, Head of Practice, and Joni Beck, Domestic Abuse Support Lead from The Children's Centre all attended as it was a great opportunity for them to meet new people and talk to them about the work that The Children's Centre does. It was also an important part of showing the real commitment of partnership the two organisations have to bring services that are needed to community of the Isle of Man. Mike Crosbie, Trustee of The Children's Centre also leant his support to the event and it was a very enjoyable evening had by all.
The ball raised £18,000 for the foundations with many fabulous prizes having been donated to the auction. The auction itself was expertly handled by Mr Alex Caine Duncan, encouraging bids for cases of wine to paintings from a Rebecca Styles.
Generous prizes were also donated for the cash raffle and fun was had with the famous "head or tails" for a small donation.
Following the auction, live music from Joey Wylde and associates rang out until midnight as guest danced the night away.
The Joanna Simpson Foundation is a signposting and supporting charity that works to support children affected by Domestic Abuse. Set up by Diana Parks and Hetti Barkworth Nanton, following the brutal killing of Joanna Simpson, daughter of Diana and close friend of Hetti. Operating on both Isle of Man and the UK, the charity directly funds several programmes in the UK, works in partnership with Children Heard and Seen and directly fund a Domestic Family Support Worker through The Children Centre.