The Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ruth Patterson has pledged her support to the Fostering Network’s Black Tie and Diamonds charity ball, which takes place on 18 May 2007 in Belfast City Hall. The ball forms part of Foster Care Fortnight 2007, the UK-wide campaign to attract more people into fostering.
The Black Tie and Diamonds Ball promises to be an exciting event, guests will enjoy a champagne reception, dinner, wine, a live band and casino all within the elegant surroundings of the City Hall.The event will celebrate the work of foster carers throughout the province, and monies raised will go directly towards supporting foster carers and their families in Northern Ireland.
The Deputy Lord Mayor said: “I am delighted to be supporting the ball as part of the Foster Care Fortnight campaign for 2007. I am looking forward to attending the event and urge local businesses to support the charity by buying a ticket. This is an excellent opportunity for people to put something back into the community and help looked-after children in the province, whilst having some fun at the same time!â€
Alex, the son of of foster carers who provided a home to over one hundred children and his wife, Lorraine Morton said: “We are delighted to be associated with the Fostering Network and will definitely be attending this special ball. Being a foster carer takes a special kind of person and isn’t for everyone, however it isn’t the only way people can help out. Buying tickets for the event is our way of contributing to this worthwhile cause and I urge other people to lend their support by attending themselves or sponsoring a table or even donating a prize.â€
The target for the evening is £10,000, the money will help ensure the 1,500 children and young people living with foster families on any given day in Northern Ireland receive the highest quality care. The money will also enable the Fostering Network to offer better support to foster carers, who make an amazing contribution to the lives of children and young people every day.
The Fostering Network is the UK's leading charity for all those
involved in fostering, and exists to ensure that fostered children
receive the highest standards of care.
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Around 1,400 children live with 1,300 foster families on any given day in Northern Ireland. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 350 foster carers are needed. The shortage of foster carers leads to children being moved too many times, being split up from brothers and sisters and living a long way from family and friends. A wider pool of foster carers would make it easier to find the right home for each child, first time.
Foster Care Fortnight is a UK-wide campaign, co-ordinated by the Fostering Network and aims to raise awareness of fostering and the need to recruit more foster carers. The campaign runs from 14 to 27 May 2007.
For tickets and further information about attending the Black Tie and Diamonds Ball contact Pamela Morton on 02890 705056.
For further media information please contact media@fostering.net or telephone 020 7620 6441.