KidsOut’s first-ever virtual “Have a Ball at Home” was a great success, raising over £35,000 for the charity’s work with disadvantaged children in refuge. Hundreds of households from across the UK joined KidsOut via a livestream on the charity’s website and YouTube for a night of fun and fundraising on Thursday 30th July 2020.

KidsOut were thrilled to welcome long-time supporter Mike Osman as the evening’s host, who did a fantastic job live on the night. His comedy and impersonations were second to none and we owe great thanks to Mike for also helping to organise some of the content.

There were more special guest appearances for viewers to enjoy, including music from up and coming singer-songwriter Jessie Dipper, live magic from magician-extraordinaire Richard Pinner, and a fascinating interview between Chris Tarrant and Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley. Members of the public were also able to take part in the night’s festivities, with the online event offering an interactive quiz, virtual magic tricks, and the opportunity to cook an exclusive menu put together by the Michelin Star Chef Adam Simmonds. Viewers were also busy tweeting KidsOut pictures of themselves enjoying the evening’s entertainment.

Guests could also take part in a raffle and luxury auction. There were some fantastic items up for grabs, including a Luxury Ski/Summer Chalet near Abondance in the French Alps, the opportunity for celebrity Chef Adam Simmonds to cooks for six people at your home, and a day sail out of Lymington in a Bavaria Vision 42 sailing boat with lunch and refreshments provided. The KidsOut team are sure the winners of the charity raffle and auction will enjoy their fabulous prizes.

KidsOut would like to say a huge thank you to the Have a Ball at Home event committee, as the night would not have been possible without their help and support. In particular, thank you to Jonathan Hime and Sara Williams who went above and beyond to support the event. The KidsOut team also wanted to thank Orbis Partners Ltd and EQUIIDA for generously sponsoring the charity’s first-ever virtual livestream event.

All the money raised from the night will be used to support victims of domestic violence living in refuge. Social distancing has compounded the extreme isolation many of these children already face, with most living through this crisis restricted to a single room with their mother and siblings. Almost all the children will have left every possession behind when fleeing from their abuser, being housed in a refuge with only the clothes on their backs. With the generous help of all those who bought tickets, donated towards the event, and purchased raffle tickets or auction prizes, KidsOut will be able to provide families in refuge with boxes of brand-new toys and food vouchers to support their mental and physical health and bring some much-needed fun and happiness.

KidsOut is busy planning another virtual Have a Ball at Home event for later in the year. Be sure to stay up to date with the charity’s social media channels for an official announcement soon!