Gift of Life Charity Ball to return
The Gift of Life Charity Ball, which raises vital funds for the Irish Kidney Association's Munster Kidney Support Centre in Cork, will return to the city on Saturday 14 November.
Taking place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, the formal reception is being planned by kidney transplant recipients Sally Nagle and Annie Foley, and liver transplant recipient Lynda Dawes.
The trio wish to build on the success of 2024's ball, which attracted 300 guests, and raised €28,000.
Guests will enjoy a drinks reception from 6pm, accompanied by violinist Fiona Tatton and guitarist Ronan Clarke, followed by a four-course meal and entertainment. Lifestyle blogger Helen Murphy of Daily Diva will serve as Master of Ceremonies, while music will also be provided by the Roadrunners Band and DJ Jimmy Burke.
Dawes said that she feels blessed to still be here today, as she celebrates the 10th anniversary of her liver transplant.
"My liver transplant came just in time as my condition, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, caused by autoimmune disease, worsened. The medical staff at St Vincent's Hospital suggested I prepare to say goodbye to my children who were 18 and 10 at the time," she said.
Nagle, who underwent two kidney transplants from deceased donors, said that she can see first-hand how the Munster Kidney Support Centre is making a real difference in the lives of patients and families every day.
"The ball will be a night filled with gratitude, friendship, and hope. Many of those who will attend have been touched in some way by organ donation and transplantation, while others simply want to support a worthwhile cause," she said.
Foley, who received a kidney transplant in 2014 when her daughter was 13 years old, said that the ball was a celebration of second chances, and the generosity of organ donors and their families.
The event is sponsored by the Irish Quality Centre. Businesses interested in supporting the ball by sponsoring are encouraged to contact the organisers at giftoflifeball@gmail.com or sending them a message on Facebook and Instagram.