Mayor’s charity ball raises over £5,000 for vital local causes

Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford.

A night of generosity and community spirit in Ballymena has delivered a major boost for two life-changing charities, with more than £5,000 raised at the Mayor’s annual charity ball.

Hosted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, the event brought together over 140 guests at Galgorm Resort and Spa on Saturday, 14 March, in support of Chest Heart & Stroke and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Community comes together for a cause

Representatives from business, community and voluntary sectors gathered for an evening centred on giving back, combining fine dining with fundraising to support families across Northern Ireland.

Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford pictured with Leigh Osbourne and Lindsay Lutton from Chest Heart & Stroke.

Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford pictured with Muriel Barr BEM and Elaine McBride from Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

The event highlighted the strength of local support for charities providing critical care and services, with attendees contributing generously throughout the night.

Mayor Minford said he was deeply encouraged by the turnout and support:

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together for two worthy charities. I am truly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make the evening such a success.

“The evening was not only about raising much-needed funds. We also wanted to show our appreciation for the dedication of the staff, volunteers and supporters who make this charitable work possible. The generosity shown by our residents and businesses reflect the powerful sense of community we have here in Mid and East Antrim.

“Thank you to everyone who came and helped make a difference to my two fantastic Mayoral charities.”

Supporting vital services across Northern Ireland

McNeillstown Pipe Band Performance.

Solo performance by Antrim Coast Dance Academy dancer.

Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford pictured with Tiernán Heffron.

The funds raised will go towards supporting the essential work of both charities, which provide care, support and services to individuals and families facing serious health challenges.

The success of the evening reflects ongoing efforts across Mid and East Antrim to champion local causes and strengthen community connections through fundraising initiatives.

The Mayor's Charity Dinner event at Galgorm Resort.

Residents who wish to continue supporting the Mayor’s chosen charities can still contribute via the council’s official donation page.

At a glance

• Mayor Jackson Minford hosted a charity ball on 14 March

• Event held at Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena

• Over 140 guests attended from across sectors

• More than £5,000 raised during the evening

• Funds support Chest Heart & Stroke and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice

• Event focused on community spirit and charitable giving

• Mayor praised generosity of local residents and businesses

• Donations to the Mayor’s charities remain open