Frettens were proud sponsors of MYTIME Young Carers’ second annual Ball in November, which raised over £30,000 for the charity.
The event, which now looks to be an annual affair, saw the charity’s closest partners, volunteers and sponsors gather for an unforgettable night of fun and fundraising at the Hilton.
On the night
The evening kicked off at 6pm, when MYTIME quite literally ‘rolled out the red carpet’ for their guests, and was followed by CEO Krista Cartlidge’s introductory speech.
After some drinks, conversations, photos and speeches, everyone began tucking in to a delicious three-course meal.
Following the dinner service, the fundraising could begin and, thanks to the astonishing generosity shown throughout the night, MYTIME were able to raise over £30,000.
The money is set to fund MYTIME’s Operation Christmas, an initiative where the charity delivers more than 1,500 festive goody bags to young carers across Dorset every year.
As partners of MYTIME, our staff volunteers are eager to help deliver some of those goody bags for the third year running.
Our involvement
At this year’s Ball, we were more involved than ever.
Managing Partner Matthew Fretten delivered a speech on the importance of charity partnerships, saying a few words about how Frettens have helped MYTIME through volunteering, fundraising and sponsorship, and encouraging more businesses to do the same.
Lewis Barr played host for the evening, presenting the much-anticipated auction, which alone raised a whopping £14,000.
Prizes up for grabs included Chelsea FC Hospitality Tickets, kindly donated by Nike and Noble Sports Management, a two-night stay for two at the Hilton, and a chartered Sunseeker for 6 with a champagne lunch.
Matthew Fretten reflects on a wonderful evening
“The firm and I would like to congratulate the team at MYTIME for putting together another unforgettable end-of-year ball.” said Managing Partner Matthew Fretten.
“We were so pleased to be among the 200 guests at the Hilton supporting MYTIME and celebrating the unbelievable work they do, and were bowled over by the generosity on display through the course of the evening.
Hearing from Craig and Jemima about the difference MYTIME has made to their lives as young carers really hit home, and made the near £30,000 raised on the night that much sweeter.
The fact we have been able to support MYTIME, even in a small way, has made us incredibly proud.”
Another year of partnership
On the night, Matthew announced the big news that we will continue our partnership with MYTIME in 2025.
As always, we put the decision to a vote, with staff nominating and voting for the charities that they’d like to see us partner with most.
In the end, the team voted overwhelmingly to continue to support MYTIME in the upcoming year, making 2025 our fourth consecutive year with the charity.
“The last three years has seen us build an amazing partnership with MYTIME, and our team have absolutely loved supporting them.” said Matthew Fretten.
“Whether fundraising, volunteering, helping with Operation Christmas or partnering the annual ball, we’ve loved every moment. So, we are delighted that the team have chosen MYTIME for another year, and are looking forward to see what opportunities 2025 brings.”
MYTIME CEO Krista Cartlidge on working with Frettens
Krista Cartlidge, who is set to be guest speaker at Frettens’ December Directors’ Dining Club, said: “The MYTIME team and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Frettens Solicitors for their help at this year’s ball, and decision to support us for another year.
In particular, I’d like to extend my gratitude to Jenny, Lewis and Matthew for all your support planning the night, running a hugely successful auction, and holding a great speech.
Here’s to another year together!”
View the full MYTIME Ball Gallery here.
How you can help
MYTIME are an amazing organisation, who have strived to support young carers not only through their Making Memories programme, but also through their employability efforts and improvement of support in schools.
You can do your part in helping fund these programmes by donating or starting a fundraiser.
Find out more on MyTIME’s website here.