I am writing to ask for your help on behalf of First Steps Derbyshire, the only local charity in the county providing positive support and activities to individuals whose lives are affected by a variety of eating difficulties and disorders. The service supports the person, their parents, partners and families.

On Saturday 7th July 2012 First Steps are holding our annual Charity Ball at Pride Park Stadium, Derby. The World Cup Final 2011 referee, Howard Webb will be our guest speaker on the night and it will be a fantastic opportunity to get involved in an action packed night of entertainment, games and auctions to raise funds for this innovative and forward thinking organisation. The event attracts over 250 guests and will provide a memorable and action packed evening for everyone involved, particularly the staff and volunteers at First Steps who dedicate their time and energy providing a unique service to the people of Derbyshire.

We aim to beat last year’s total of £10,000 so that we can continue to provide the care and support to those who need it most. All proceeds from this event will go into front line services and will therefore provide direct benefit to the local community. This will be only possible due to kind donations from businesses and organisations. In order to achieve our target and make the Charity Ball a night to remember we are hoping that you will be generous enough to sponsor a table, or donate an auction or raffle prize, so that we can begin to make a difference together. In addition a donation of:

• £45.00 will sponsor a service user volunteer to have the opportunity to attend the event.
• £450.00 will sponsor a table of ten service user volunteers to attend the event.
• £1,000 will give you and nine guests the opportunity to attend the event and to be a main advertiser in the event brochure
• £2,000 will give you and nine guests tickets to the event and the opportunity to be  one of the main sponsors of the night. This will include advertisement on all tickets, brochures and regular promotion on the night.
• Companies donating or sponsoring the dinner dance will also be featured on our “Wall of Thanks” featured in our annual report and website and have the opportunity to be part of Derbyshire fastest growing charity.
• You can also buy tickets to attend the event yourself with family and friends for £45.00 each.

First Steps Derbyshire has recently featured on The One Show, as well as BBC East Midlands Today and in several other local media features. The founder has won numerous awards for her work and has been invited to Buckingham Palace in 2012 in recognition of her work. We are unique because all of the staff (8) and volunteers (42) have personal experience of living with an eating disorder and the charity was set up because they were unable to get the appropriate support and understanding from local statutory services.

If you are able to help in any way or wish to purchase tickets for the event please do not hesitate to contact me on Tel: 01332 367571 or Email: cathy@firststepsderby.co.uk

Many thanks

Cathy Cleary