Just under 300 guests attended the 2018 Rotary Club of Dublin Central Valentine Ball supporting the Marie Keating Foundation, last Saturday night 17^th February at the Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin.

This Annual Valentines Ball always draws a great crowd and this year was no different with a host of celebrities from the world of Entertainment and Show business ensuring their seats at a table.

Proudly sponsored by Marks and Spencer’s Ireland and The Irish Daily Mail, this annual Valentines Ball raised vital funds for the Foundation’s cancer awareness programmes and support services and helps the Rotary Club of Dublin fund their wide range of local community, national and international projects.

The funds from this year’s event will directly support the Marie Keating Foundation Survive and Thrive workshops and seminars which were set up to help men and women who have finished cancer treatment  to adapt to the ‘new normal’.

MC on the night was the fantastic RTE’s Shay Byrne who kept the audience on their toes with his witty quips and comedic ways on the night. Shay also MC’d the auction on the night which saw a wide range of prizes donated by various supporting partners and sponsors.

Entertainment on the night was provided by Taylors Irish Dancers’, Brian Kennedy and First Class Entertainment who all received a warm welcome from the crowd with Brian getting the dancing off to a flying start.

Speaking at the event, Linda Keating, Director of Fundraising at the Marie Keating Foundation thanked the Rotary Club of Dublin Central for choosing MKF as their charity again this year and for an amazing night of fun, laughter and entertainment.

The volunteers from the Rotary Club of Dublin Central put such a fantastic effort into dressing the room, in particular she thanked the committee Eamon Porter, Matt Porter, Neil Kelly and especially Yvonne Fenton who’s attention to detail was outstanding, she said how it was a pleasure to work with the team.

The money raised from the ball will go towards funding our Survive and Thrive programme, which supports people on their cancer journey and helps them to re adjust to the new normal after cancer treatment.  There are so many more people surviving cancer today that the need is growing for these support services.

The kindness and generous support from all who attended the Ball, donated to the raffle & auction on the night is greatly appreciated by all at the Marie Keating Foundation. Thank you!