McVerry Gala Ball raises thousands

OVER 250 people attended the 10th annual Peter McVerry Trust Gala Ball in Clontarf Castle Hotel earlier this month. 

The event raised a total of €75,765. All funds raised will go directly towards supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. The event was fully sponsored by Clontarf Castle Hotel. 

Guests were greeted to a drinks reception on arrival to the venue, where the Sam Maguire Cup was circulated with the opportunity to have photos taken with it. 

Following the reception, Peter McVerry Trust chief executive Pat Doyle formally welcomed everyone, before showing a short video produced by the DCU Media Production Society, of which student Laura Horan told the moving tale of her experience of being homeless as a child.

The Peter McVerry Trust has been at the forefront of the media in recent weeks following the video of Laura Horan for the DCU MPS ‘24 Hour Broadcast’, where live video content will be streamed live from 9pm to 9pm on December 2-3. The broadcast is running in aid of the McVerry Trust this year. 

“It’s so amazing to see the charity receiving so much attention from the video and I encourage everyone to get out and donate on the night of the broadcast,” Laura Horan said. 

“I know how hard Christmas time can be for homeless children. Events like the Gala and even small donations will make the world of difference to families during this time of the year.”

Miriam O’Callaghan acted as MC for the night, and introduced Fr Peter McVerry who addressed the room.

Auctioneer for the evening, Professor Gunther, also known as Aprés Match’s Barry Murphy, kicked off the proceedings of the auction. 

Items up for auction included the original artwork from Dublin artist John Dunne, a stay in the Presidential Suite in the Marker Hotel and a “stunning” ladies’ diamond necklace. 

Following the auction, a number of raffle winners had their names pulled out of the tombola. Winners received prizes such as a weekend break in the Ice House Hotel, a pop-up private dining party for six people from Lady Eve Cookery School, a luxury family hamper and restaurant and theatre vouchers. 

“We would very much like to thank everyone who supported Peter McVerry Trust’s 10th annual Gala Ball,” chief executive Pat Doyle said. 

“During the coming winter months, Peter McVerry Trust will be under particular pressure to support people experiencing homelessness, drug misuse and social disadvantage, and the money raised from this event will assist us in meeting that need.”

Meanwhile, the Peter McVerry Trust Christmas Carol Concert is due to take place at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 3. The concert will be hosted by Pat Kenny, with a short talk being delivered by Fr McVerry. A total of 2,426 children and 4,283 adults were recorded as homeless in September by the Department of the Environment. 

REPORT: Hayley Halpin