Between 20–27 December, Showtime Productions entertained families with their production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Windmill Theatre in Hove. A combination of collections at the pantomime, tea and coffee sales, and donations raised a total of £2,088.60 for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.
Robert and Corinne Blass of Showtime Productions said: “We are delighted that the pantomime was such a huge success, raising over £2,000 for Chestnut Tree House. The charity does such vital work in helping local children and families, and we are happy to be able to help. We wouldn’t be able to put on the pantomime without help, and would like to thank Drama Queens Brighton and all of the volunteers for all their hard work in making the show a success. Thanks also to all the show sponsors, Bryants Decorators, Brighton and Hove Streamline Taxis, Geneva Group, Austin Gray, Cronin’s Cleaning Services, Lollipop Print and The West Hove Directory.”
Robert and Corinne Blass also recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, and instead of receiving gifts, they asked for donations to Chestnut Tree House. This generous initiative raised an impressive £1,000.
Jo Moss, Community Fundraiser at Chestnut Tree House said: “We are so grateful to Robert and Corinne and Showtime Productions for their ongoing support. The £2,088 raised at the pantomime and the £1,000 from donations via the Give in Celebration scheme will make such a difference. We need to raise £6,850 every day to cover the cost of all our specialist care services, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes. With only 7% of this coming from central government funding, we rely heavily on the local community and people like Robert and Corinne so that we can continue caring for children with life-shortening conditions. Thank you from everyone at Chestnut Tree House.”
Chestnut Tree House opened its doors on 11 November 2003 and currently provides care and support to around 300 children with life-shortening conditions and their families across East Sussex, West Sussex and South East Hampshire – both at the hospice and in families’ own homes. The cost of providing this vital service is over £3.5 million per year, yet the hospice receives less than 7% central government funding so relies heavily on the generosity and support of the local community to continue providing vital care to local children and families.
Classical concert raised £2,358 for children’s hospice
Before Christmas, Worthing Assembly Hall hosted a special charity concert, which was organised by Andrew Parsons. Headlined by Welsh singer, broadcaster and presenter, Aled Jones MBE, the event also featured performances by Britain’s Got Talent finalist, mezzo-soprano Faryl Smith; contestants of The Voice, Classical Reflection; and Worthing-based choir, The Rowland Singers. A combination of tickets sales and a collection on the night raised £2,358 for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.
Event organiser, Andrew Parsons said: “I have organised several events for different charities over the last few years, and am delighted that this concert was such a success. When I heard about the way Chestnut Tree House supports local children and families, I just wanted to do something to help. All the singers gave fantastic performances, and the audience were so generous with their donations.”
Caroline Roberts-Quigley, Community Fundraiser at Chestnut Tree House said: “Events like the concert Andrew organised are vitally important to us, both in terms of increasing awareness of the charity and raising vital funds. It costs Chestnut Tree House over £3.5 million every year to provide its specialist care services to children with life-shortening conditions. Without the support and generosity of the local community, we simply wouldn’t be able to continue providing this care.
“The £2,358 raised will pay for a child to have a three-night break at Chestnut Tree House, where they can enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, relax in the multi-sensory room, and join in with a host of activities; as well as giving someone the chance to visit the hospice for the day for a ‘Stay and Play’ session. On behalf of everyone at Chestnut Tree House, I would like to thank Andrew for all his hard work, as well as all the generous supporters who attended the concert.”
Chestnut Tree House opened its doors on 11 November 2003 and currently provides care and support to around 300 children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Sussex and South East Hampshire – both at the hospice and in families’ own homes. The cost of providing this vital service is over £3.5 million per year, yet the hospice receives less than 7% central government funding so relies heavily on the generosity and support of the community to continue providing vital care to children and families.
