To celebrate ten years of working with The Snowman™ and mark the launch of their Snowman Spectacular Online Auction, fundraisers from Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, The Snowman spent time at our recent home against Forest Green Rovers.
Head Coach Harry Kewell presented a certificate for a VIP football package at the club to include in the charity’s Snowman Spectacular Online Auction.
The Snowman Spectacular Online Auction is open to everyone, throughout November, and closes at midnight on Saturday 2 December during the tenth annual Snowman Spectacular Fundraising Ball.
Taking its inspiration from The Snowman™, the picture book created and illustrated by Chestnut Tree House Patron, Raymond Briggs CBE, the Snowman Spectacular Ball hopes to raise as much as possible to help the charity continue to provide specialist care for life-limited children in Brighton & Hove, East and West Sussex, and South-East Hampshire.
Terrina Barnes, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Chestnut Tree House said: “The Snowman Spectacular Ball is the biggest event on our fundraising calendar and while tickets for the event have sold out, everyone can get involved by checking out the online auction.
“We would like to thank Crawley Town FC for donating a special package to our Snowman Spectacular Online Auction. The winning bidder can choose any home match of the 2018/19 season to watch the Reds from the Director’s Box with hospitality before the match, including a three-course meal and private bar area. The auction lot also includes a signed shirt and ball, so is a fantastic prize for any fan.”
In addition to the Crawley Town FC VIP package, lots in the Snowman Spectacular Online Auction include a five-star Caribbean holiday; tickets to a live show of The Voice UK in March 2018, including four-star hotel accommodation; a radio session with Guy Lloyd at Juice 107.2; and signed Ashley Young football boots.
Describing why The Snowman is so important to Chestnut Tree House, Terrina Barnes said: “The Snowman is loved by many, but the themes and emotions particularly resonate with us and the children and families that we care for.
“The young boy in the story gets to experience the most amazing adventure, but then he loses his new friend. But, when you think of The Snowman, it’s not the sad ending you remember. It’s the happy times they have together and this is very much what Chestnut Tree House is about – providing wonderful care, experiences, and precious memories of happy times together.”
Chestnut Tree House provides care and support to around 300 children with life-shortening conditions and their families across East Sussex, West Sussex and South-East Hampshire – both at the hospice and in their own homes. The cost of providing this vital service is over £3.5 million per year, yet the hospice receives less than 7% central government funding so relies heavily on the support of the local community to continue providing vital care to local children and families.
To find out more about the Snowman Spectacular Online Auction, click here.
Harry is pictured with Terrina Barnes, of Chestnut Tree House, and Mr Snowman
