Irish Open organiser JP McCann and Ambassador Chris Dowling looked particularly dapper last night as they attended the inaugural Flutter Charity Ball in Dublin which was being held to raise funds for BUMBLEance, the children’s Ambulance Service of Ireland.
Flutter, the company which owns Irish Open sponsors Paddy Power and PokerStars, has nominated BUMBLEance as its Charity of the Year and volunteers have already raised thousands for the service this year with a 200km charity cycle event in July. Last night’s ball raised at least €270k (and counting!) through ticket sales, donations and an exciting charity auction.
More than 400 guests attended the gala occasion at Dublin’s Manison House which included entertainment from hosts Deirdre O’Kane & Paddy Power, magicians, games, music and the Dodder Dash race. The highlight of the evening was the charity auction which featured dozens of incredible prizes including signed jerseys from Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Peter Crouch, signed football boots from Neymar, hotel breaks, plus tickets to top sporting events such as Chelsea, Leeds United and Manchester United football matches, UFC fights, tennis tournaments and race days. The auction alone raised over €15,000.
JP McCann said: “We were delighted to support this important charity initiative from our Irish Open partner Flutter. We are very aware of BUMBLEance’s incredible work supporting very sick children across Ireland and glad we could participate in this latest fundraising initiative. It’s not often that Chris, Ciaran and I get to put on a black tie (!) but the evening was a lot of fun as well as raising a huge amount of money for BUMBLEance. I got the Ronaldo and Rivaldo jersey in the charity auction so I’m thrilled with that.”
McCann attended the gala with his wife Christine, Irish Open Ambassador Chris Dowling and his wife Isa along with Irish Open player Ciaran McGivern and his wife Linda.
BUMBLEance is a non-profit organisation that provides safe and comfortable travel to Ireland’s youngest patients between home and hospital. It was created to reduce the anxiety and trauma experienced by children affected by serious and life limiting conditions.
All proceeds from the evening – including all tickets sales – are going direct to BUMBLEance. More details on BUMBLEance can be found here: www.bumbleance.com.
