The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) will be hosting a very special ‘May Ball’ to celebrate the life of Baroness May Blood and her incredible contribution to Integrated Education in Northern Ireland.
The Gala takes place on 24 May in the Europa Hotel in Belfast and is hosted by award winning broadcaster Maxine Mawhinney.
‘The May Ball’ will bring together some of May’s well-known friends from the world of entertainment, leading supporters from our donor community, representatives from Integrated schools and May’s family and friends.
The evening will include special tributes from the stars of screen as well as comedian and broadcaster Tim McGarry and a performance by the Diva Dolls, a stunning all female music group which includes Baroness May Blood’s great niece Heather. During the dinner guests will be entertained by the Arco String Quartet, one of the country’s leading professional and dynamic string quartets.
Paul Caskey OBE, Head of Campaign at the IEF, worked alongside Baroness Blood for over 20 years commented:
“Following May’s passing last October, we promised our supporters that we would organise a special evening to celebrate her amazing contribution to Integrated Education and that we would try and make it a fun and enjoyable occasion. May was our voluntary Campaign Chair for over two decades and gave us so much of her time and energy to the cause. She took enormous pride in the continued growth and development of Integrated schools. May travelled all over the world to speak and meet potential donors and supporters. Her passion, conviction and dedication was clear to all that knew her.”
Speaking in 2021 Baroness May Blood said:
“It has been twenty years since I first volunteered my time and support to the cause of Integrated Education. I have never seen as much momentum as there is today. Parents have shown massive courage and belief in the ideal of educating children together, not only for the benefit of their own children, but for generations to come. Let’s not fear difference, let’s celebrate it.”
All funds raised through the May Ball will support the establishment of new Integrated schools, the growth of existing Integrated schools and those schools seeking to become Integrated through the Transformation process. It will also launch the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism, which is a special trophy available for all Integrated schools for a pupil (or group of pupils) to acknowledge their commitment and contribution to the community.
If you would like to book a ticket please email: