MYTIME held its second annual ball earlier this month, raising over £30,000 to support young carers across the region.

Partners, volunteers and sponsors gathered at the Hilton Bournemouth for a night of fun and fundraising.

The event kicked off with an introductory speech from MYTIME CEO Krista Cartlidge, and after some drinks, conversations, photos and speeches, guests tucked into a three-course meal.

Money raised will go towards Operation Christmas, an initiative which sees MYTIME deliver more than 1,500 festive goody bags every year to young carers in Dorset.

Supporting the charity on the evening (and keen to get involved in Operation Christmas) were staff volunteers from Frettens Solicitors.

Matthew Fretten, managing partner, delivered a speech on the importance of charity partnerships.

He spoke about how the firm has helped MYTIME through volunteering, fundraising and sponsorship, and encouraging more businesses to do the same.

Lewis Barr, head of marketing at Frettens, played host for the evening and presented the much-anticipated auction, which raised £14,000.

Prizes up for grabs included Chelsea FC hospitality tickets – kindly donated by Nike and Noble Sports Management – as well as a two-night stay for two at the Hilton and a chartered Sunseeker yacht for six with a champagne lunch.

Matthew said: “The firm and I would like to congratulate the team at MYTIME for putting together another unforgettable end-of-year ball.

“We were so pleased to be among the 200 guests at the Hilton supporting MYTIME and celebrating the unbelievable work they do, and were bowled over by the generosity on display through the course of the evening.

“Hearing from Craig and Jemima about the difference MYTIME has made to their lives as young carers really hit home and made the near £30,000 raised on the night that much sweeter.

“The fact we’ve been able to support MYTIME, even in a small way, has made us incredibly proud.”

Matthew also shared that the firm’s partnership with MYTIME would continue into 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year with the charity.

“The last three years has seen us build an amazing partnership with MYTIME, and our team have absolutely loved supporting them,” he added.

“Whether fundraising, volunteering, helping with Operation Christmas or partnering the annual ball, we’ve loved every moment.

“So, we’re delighted that the team have chosen MYTIME for another year, and are looking forward to see what opportunities 2025 brings.”

Krista Cartlidge, who’ll be guest speaker at Frettens’ December directors’ dining club, said: “The MYTIME team and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Frettens Solicitors for their help at this year’s ball and decision to support us for another year.

“In particular, I’d like to extend my gratitude to Jenny, Lewis and Matthew for all your support planning the night, running a hugely successful auction and holding a great speech.

“Here’s to another year together!”

• mytimeyoungcarers.org

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BIZ GALLERY