FOUNDATION BALL 2025
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Celebrating 5 Years of the Kevin Cruise Foundation Charity Ball
The Kevin Cruise Foundation Charity Ball has become a staple of the local community's social calendar, uniting generous individuals in the heart of Windsor for an evening of entertainment, laughter, and fundraising. Over the past five years, this event has grown from a modest gathering into a spectacular occasion that has raised an impressive £25,143 for the charity’s vital work, making it a key driver of the Foundation's mission to bring the magic of the theatre to those in need. Held annually at the Castle Hotel in Windsor, this glamorous event continues to attract over 100 guests each year.
The inaugural Kevin Cruise Foundation Charity Ball took place in 2019 and set the tone for the events to follow. It featured a special performance from local musician Tara Deane, who moved the audience with her heartfelt track "Set it Free," written specifically for the Foundation. Tara’s performance captured the spirit of the evening and highlighted the charity’s mission to bring joy, hope, and escapism to those facing difficult circumstances. The success of the first event, which raised £5,518, exceeded expectations and demonstrated the incredible generosity of the local community. The funds raised enabled the Foundation to purchase over 800 pantomime tickets, allowing families affected by illness, children in care, and hardworking volunteers to experience the joy of live theatre during the festive season.
The inaugural Kevin Cruise Foundation Charity Ball took place in 2019 and set the tone for the events to follow. It featured a special performance from local musician Tara Deane, who moved the audience with her heartfelt track "Set it Free," written specifically for the Foundation. Tara’s performance captured the spirit of the evening and highlighted the charity’s mission to bring joy, hope, and escapism to those facing difficult circumstances. The success of the first event, which raised £5,518, exceeded expectations and demonstrated the incredible generosity of the local community. The funds raised enabled the Foundation to purchase over 800 pantomime tickets, allowing families affected by illness, children in care, and hardworking volunteers to experience the joy of live theatre during the festive season.
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As the Foundation’s main fundraiser, the Ball has evolved year after year, offering a night of entertainment that guests eagerly look forward to. In 2023 and 2024, the ball continued to showcase the vibrant talent nurtured by two of the Foundation’s closest partners, Berkshire Theatre School and Megan Jones School of Performing Arts. These talented students, some of whom are Kevin Cruise Foundation Scholars, took to the stage to perform and celebrate the success of the charity’s efforts. Their performances highlighted the incredible potential that the Foundation’s programs help to nurture, while also giving the audience a glimpse into the transformative power of the arts for young people facing adversity.
The charity ball itself is a whirlwind of activity. Guests are welcomed with a glass of fizz and treated to a delicious three-course dinner in the grand ballroom. Throughout the evening, there is no shortage of entertainment, from close-up magic at the dinner tables to the infectious energy of the legendary Kevin Cruise himself. Known for his humour and charisma, Kevin often takes to the stage to encourage guests to get involved in the fun, leading everyone in familiar tunes like the YMCA and organising conga lines that snake around the room. As the night continues, the energy builds, culminating in live music from a local band, where guests can dance the night away, knowing that their contributions are going toward a worthy cause.
The charity ball itself is a whirlwind of activity. Guests are welcomed with a glass of fizz and treated to a delicious three-course dinner in the grand ballroom. Throughout the evening, there is no shortage of entertainment, from close-up magic at the dinner tables to the infectious energy of the legendary Kevin Cruise himself. Known for his humour and charisma, Kevin often takes to the stage to encourage guests to get involved in the fun, leading everyone in familiar tunes like the YMCA and organising conga lines that snake around the room. As the night continues, the energy builds, culminating in live music from a local band, where guests can dance the night away, knowing that their contributions are going toward a worthy cause.
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The funds raised at the ball support the Foundation’s ongoing projects, particularly the Christmas Panto Project, which provides tickets for those who might otherwise not have access to the magic of the theatre. The ball has become an integral part of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, enabling it to continue its important work. Over the years, the event has also expanded to include a grand raffle and auction, which feature a range of exciting prizes generously donated by local businesses and supporters. These additional fundraising opportunities have been instrumental in raising more money to help those who need it most.
Martin Cabble-Reid, the founder of the Kevin Cruise Foundation, has been at the heart of this event since its inception. His dedication to the cause and his vision for the future of the Foundation have driven its success over the last five years. Reflecting on the annual ball, Martin commented, “I am over the moon with the amount we raised at the Foundation Balls. We set ourselves a target and we achieved that and so much more. Thank you to everyone who donated to the raffle, to those who advertised in the ball programme, and to everyone who attends year-after-year.”
As the years have gone by, the event has grown in both scale and significance. It has become much more than just a fundraising evening; it is a celebration of the power of the performing arts and its ability to unite people from all walks of life. The Foundation’s work continues to expand, and the charity ball plays an essential role in supporting its initiatives. By providing tickets to theatre productions and offering scholarships to talented individuals, the Foundation ensures that the arts are accessible to those who may otherwise be excluded. The annual ball has made a tangible difference in the lives of many, ensuring that joy, creativity, and imagination are part of the lives of families who are facing hardship.
Looking ahead, the Kevin Cruise Foundation Charity Ball is set to continue as a major event in the Windsor social scene. With each year, the ball gains more momentum, attracting new supporters and strengthening the Foundation’s ties to the local community. The goal remains the same: to raise much-needed funds to support the Foundation’s projects, and to bring a little bit of magic into the lives of those who need it most.
Here's to many more successful Charity Balls in the years to come.
Martin Cabble-Reid, the founder of the Kevin Cruise Foundation, has been at the heart of this event since its inception. His dedication to the cause and his vision for the future of the Foundation have driven its success over the last five years. Reflecting on the annual ball, Martin commented, “I am over the moon with the amount we raised at the Foundation Balls. We set ourselves a target and we achieved that and so much more. Thank you to everyone who donated to the raffle, to those who advertised in the ball programme, and to everyone who attends year-after-year.”
As the years have gone by, the event has grown in both scale and significance. It has become much more than just a fundraising evening; it is a celebration of the power of the performing arts and its ability to unite people from all walks of life. The Foundation’s work continues to expand, and the charity ball plays an essential role in supporting its initiatives. By providing tickets to theatre productions and offering scholarships to talented individuals, the Foundation ensures that the arts are accessible to those who may otherwise be excluded. The annual ball has made a tangible difference in the lives of many, ensuring that joy, creativity, and imagination are part of the lives of families who are facing hardship.
Looking ahead, the Kevin Cruise Foundation Charity Ball is set to continue as a major event in the Windsor social scene. With each year, the ball gains more momentum, attracting new supporters and strengthening the Foundation’s ties to the local community. The goal remains the same: to raise much-needed funds to support the Foundation’s projects, and to bring a little bit of magic into the lives of those who need it most.
Here's to many more successful Charity Balls in the years to come.
