Crystal Ball 2025: A Night of Sparkle, Celebration and Generosity
The Children’s Respite Trust’s 15th Annual Crystal Ball took place on Saturday 8th November at the stunning Winter Garden, Eastbourne, and it was an unforgettable evening filled with generosity and celebration.
Supporters gathered to mark this milestone anniversary in style, enjoying a glamorous night of fine dining and entertainment — all in aid of supporting disabled children and their families across Sussex. We were honoured to welcome Shaun Williams as compere as well as be entertained by Double Tap, Vanessa Sergeant and Cydney Edwards.
A Truly Moving Moment
One of the most powerful highlights of the evening was a speech delivered by a parent, Rachel, who shared some of the challenges her family has faced and the profound difference the Children’s Respite Trust has made to their lives. Her words served as a poignant reminder of the real impact respite care can have — not just for children, but for entire families.
Rachel closed her speech by saying: “We couldn’t be more thankful to these selfless, kind, warm-hearted and very generous people who give their time, and me that much-needed breather once in a while. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do and for your tireless efforts of funding and to all the sponsors who contribute to this very worthy cause. It really does mean so much to all of us parents and guardians who find life a daily struggle.”
An Incredible Result
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of everyone who attended, donated and bid during the auction, the Crystal Ball raised an outstanding £74,000. This vital funding will go directly towards our All Stars sessions, supporting teenagers at the Trust by providing safe spaces, activities and opportunities to thrive. One particularly special auction moment saw a piece of artwork created by our Little Stars sell for £750, purchased by the wife of our Trust Chairman.
Thanking Our Sponsors
We are incredibly grateful to the many businesses who supported the Crystal Ball through sponsorship. Their generosity played a crucial role in making the evening possible and maximising the funds raised.
Our heartfelt thanks go to: C J Thorne & Co Ltd, Eastbourne Electrical, Sparc PM Ltd, Aspray Limited, Kileys Karpets, We Are RAM Construction, NRG Mortgages Ltd, Wards Group Ltd, WestWays Vending, Switchplane, Saxon Design, Abbots Wood Manor Care Home, Charles Cox Property Group, HERO Plumbing, D T Decorators, J Kirby Electrical Ltd, Brufords Watches, Rob Slater Not Just Travel, M S Steelwork Ltd, and Wills In Plain English Ltd.
Thank You to Our Prize Donors
The generosity of our prize donors added excitement and magic to the evening and helped us raise vital funds. We would like to thank: Teddy Bear Run, Gallagher Insurance, CJ Thorne, WPA, Metro Bank and Matt Machin, Acron Aviation, Contour Cosmetics, Choice Vehicle Rentals, Legoland, Grand Hotel Eastbourne, Pauline Turner, Longman Brewery, Chalky Down Campsite, House Keeping Heroes, Selhurst Park, Bill’s, Realms VR, Brighton Racecourse, Snappy Shot Events, Buxted Park, Caffyns, The Hydro Hotel, Mercedes Benz Eastbourne, MSK Martial Arts, Sovereign Centre, Devils Dyke Distillery, Marks and Spencer’s, Henner’s Vineyard, WestWays Vending, Beehive Hair & Beauty, Don McPhee, Alison’s Aloe, Buzz Active, Fishers Farm, Godstone Farm, Drusilla’s, Ravel, Pashley Manor Gardens, Brighton Zip, Plumpton Racecourse, Marie-Louise Tibbles Photography, Suttonz, Sarah Allen Skincare and Make Up, Fly London, Deliciously Sweet Chocolate Company, Cedarz Lebanese Restaurant, Profile Hair Design, De Marco, Bullhead Barbers, Bare Beauty, The Laurel, Richard Haven Classic Barbers, Kube Hair, Eagles Hair and Beauty, Nuts Hair, Jamaica Blue, Sharp and Shape, Cineworld Eastbourne, The Frontier Bar, The Dice Box Café Eastbourne, Cellys Hairstyle International Hastings, East Sussex National, Chatfields Jewellers, Strive, Posh of Eastbourne, Hyde Corner, The Devonshire Care Home, Bistrot Pierre, The Cavendish Hotel, Picture House, Oh for Heaven’s Cakes, Teva, Shoe Shuffle Hastings, Caterpillar, Rock Rose Beauty, Coffee Barn, Gale & Woolgar, Farrago, Carr Contractors, British Made British Design, Colour Lab Studio, David Salmon Furnishers, BN21 Designs and Hairport.
Behind the Scenes Heroes
A huge thank you must also go to our dedicated Ball Committee — Loreen, Linda, Alan, Westley and Katie — as well as all of our volunteers, whose hard work, passion and attention to detail ensured the evening ran seamlessly.
Capturing the Night
A huge thank you to NX Photo for capturing the beautiful moments and formal portraits from the Crystal Ball which you can view here, and to Danny and Matt from Fountain Digital and Smokescreen Visuals, for bringing the emotion and energy of the evening to life through two stunning films.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 15 years of supporting families, the Crystal Ball was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together. Every ticket purchased, prize donated and bid placed helps us continue providing vital respite care for families who need it most.
We are delighted to confirm that next year’s Masquerade Ball will take place on Saturday 14th November. We can’t wait to welcome supporters back for another unforgettable evening in support of the Children’s Respite Trust.