Event Details & Tickets

We invite you to our seventh annual Charity Gala Ball & Auction, where we will once again bring Africa to the heart of Berkshire. Be prepared to be taken on a journey into Africa’s diverse and lively culture, while celebrating Black History Month in style. Our gala ball is the perfect celebration for family, friends, colleagues or potential clients, all while making a positive difference to the lives of those less fortunate!

You will enjoy live African entertainment, the opportunity to bid on unique items and experiences in our charity auction, a fantastic 3 course meal and more; all in a celebration of the joy and hope that comes out of Africa. We will inspire you with stories that show the great impact we are having on the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. Take a look in the video below to see the highlights from last year.

We are very grateful for our continued support from our Media Partner, the Reading Chronicle, who will be covering the event. Book a table of 10 people and you will receive a group photo in the Reading Chronicle, a great way to showcase your business to a huge audience!

Event sponsorship opportunities are available for you to gain exposure to local businesses, Rotarians, University of Reading alumni and our charity supporters in the Thames Valley area. Contact us for details of our sponsorship packages or to donate an auction prize, please email us on info@creatingbetterfutures.org.uk or call our office today at 0118 327 1154.

Should you wish to stay overnight, we have arranged a discounted rate with the Hilton. Enquire today to find out more.

Come along and join us in making a difference, one child at a time! Tickets are limited so book yours today!

Buy a ticket direct from us

Ticket cost £60 (special early-bird price until June 2019)

Pay by bank transfer, cheque and cash (or by card payment at our office) or buy your ticket via eventbrite

https://ooa2019.eventbrite.co.uk

Email us on events@creatingbetterfutures.org.uk

Have any questions?

We’ve got you covered with our FAQs

What is the Charity Gala Ball & Auction?

It’s Creating Better Future’s biggest, annual, fundraising event; an opportunity for friends of the charity to find out about our progress and our plans for the year ahead. You can network, celebrate and experience a bit of Africa at the heart of Berkshire, you could call it ‘Africa on Thames’.

What can I expect on the night?

A red carpet entrance into the exclusive Windsor Ballroom at The Hilton Hotel, Reading. You will be served a selection of canapes during the drinks reception while you immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

This will be followed by a three course meal with a complimentary glass of wine. We’ll give you a brief update on our achievements and you can participate in our live auction and raffle to raise funds for the children we support.

You can bid for unforgettable experiences, in previous years this has included: unique art, holidays, golf days, spa days, and luxury driving experiences.

You will be entertained on a journey through Africa, followed by our DJ playing a vibrant mix between traditional African music, and classic floor-fillers for you to enjoy.

How much are tickets?

£60 per person (special early-bird price until June 2019)

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased by bank transfer, cheque and cash (we also accept card payments at our office) or buy on Eventbrite: https://ooa2019.eventbrite.co.uk. Contact us at events@creatingbetterfutures.org.uk to reserve your place.

Is my ticket transferrable?

You have to inform us in advance by Monday 14th October if you would like to transfer your ticket.

When is the last date for ticket purchases?

Ticket sales end at midnight on Monday 14th October 2019.

I would like to sit next to my friends, how do I arrange that?

If you are purchasing tickets individually, we would ask you to send names of the people that want to sit together no later than Monday 14th October, to events@creatingbetterfuture.org.uk or by calling 0118 327 1154

I would like to purchase my ticket offline, can I do that?

Yes. You can buy tickets offline. You can make a deposit into our account and the details are provided when you contact us. Once the payment is cleared, we will email you proof of purchase with a unique reference number for each guest. You do not need to print it out as we will check you in electronically. Just bring your reference number and we will check you in.

Can children attend the ball?

Because of the timing and nature of the event, children below the age of 16 years will not be admitted into the ball. Children above the age of 16 will be required to hold a full price ticket and should be accompanied by a paying adult.

Is there accommodation available on the night?

We have reserved a reduced fee for our guests. The link can be sent via email. Please send us your email address and will send it to you.

Will you serve African food?

No. We will serve food from the set menu at the Hilton Hotel.

I have special dietary requirements, will you cater for that?

We can check with the hotel if notified in advance. Please let us know via email by Monday 14th October.

Can I book a table before I have the names of all my guests?

If you purchase a table in your name, we will need to know the names of the guests by Monday 14th October. Please email us to confirm.

I am not African, can I attend?

Yes. This is an event that celebrates Africa and we welcome everyone to our Charity Gala Ball. It’s been said ‘there’s a bit of Africa inside each of us: the bit that ‘s full of sunshine’. Bring your ‘sunshine’ and we’ll shine together for Africa!