The 9th Sparkle & Shine Ball, sponsored by Cambridge News and held this year in aid of Jimmy’s Night Shelter, took place at The Guildhall and was attended by 130 representatives from city centre businesses.
As well as food and music, there was an auction on behalf of the charity, which is the only emergency accommodation provider for the homeless in Cambridge.
The ball was organised by Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), which is a collaboration of more than 1,000 businesses working together to promote and improve the city centre.
Cambridge BID Chairman Ian Sandison said: “We are delighted to be supporting Jimmy’s Night Shelter as our charity for 2016-17 and to help homeless people gain new skills and control of their lives.”
“There is a shortage of housing in Cambridge and sadly, homelessness has increased in the past five years or so. Last night’s ball kick-starts a year of Cambridge BID fundraising activities on behalf of the charity. For example our sponsorship of the North Pole Ice Rink on Parker’s Piece will result in a percentage of ticket sales from the launch event being donated to Jimmy’s. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses who generously donated gifts for the auction and other prizes.”
Barry Griffiths from Jimmy’s, said: “We are privileged to be supported by Cambridge BID as their charity of the year. We look forward to working closely with them throughout the year and to providing further opportunities to support those who find themselves homeless in Cambridge.”
Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) is a collaboration of more than 1,000 businesses, working together to promote and improve the city centre. Cambridge BID launched on 1st April 2013 following a majority vote by businesses and organisations within the BID Area in October 2012. For more information visit www.cambridgebid.co.uk