Butterfly Wings hosts ‘Real Fashion Show’ to launch 5th Annual Butterfly Ball

Butterfly Wings hosted a ‘Real’ show again this year to launch its 5^th annual Butterfly Ball in aid of the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurse Programme.  For the past three years the charity has held a fashion show on the last Thursday in January in the Radisson Blu, Little Island to launch their Butterfly Ball.  The fashion shows celebrates the ‘real’ men and women of Cork, with the models coming for all walks of life, but all having one thing in common, cancer.  While some of the models have had personal experiences with the disease, others have seen families and friends suffer.  The fashion show is an opportunity to celebrate their battles and have a bit of craic too.

This year’s fashion shows saw the return of shops such as The Princess Rooms in Cobh, Morley’s of Grande Parade and Divine from Kinsale and introduces Element from Midleton and The Keen House from Cobh.  Also included this year were beautiful head pieces from Velvet Bow and designer glasses from Douglas Eye care.  It isn’t always what you wear on your body that can make a statement.

Hair for the evening was done by Ms Aisling Kelleher from Sobe Brown and Makeup was done by ‘Makeup by Ann’.

Models for the night were Liz Cotter, AnneMarie Keating, Kay Phelan, Caroline Fraher, Amy Moran McGirr, Mary and Orla Hoey, Mary Carey, Kate Lutrell, Laura Leahy and Lucie Pawerova.  The male models were James Cotter, Ian Tobin, Chris Lyall, Mark Leahy, Jeremy Butler and James Donoghue.

Top prize in the raffle tonight was two tickets to the ball itself followed by a runner up prize of a beautiful piece of custom made jewellery from Celly O Designs.  Celly will also be doing a specific piece for the ball for us.

Cancer is a disease that touches us all and this charity was set up four years ago by the Cotter family after the death of their sister/ aunt.  It was a way to celebrate the vibrant life she lead and the hard battle she fought, and from that stemmed the Butterfly Ball.

Trish Cotter, from the Butterfly Wings Committee commented “Cancer is a disease that unfortunately touches all our lives, no matter who you are or whether we are in a recession or not. It’s a devastating disease and part of the ethos of our charity is providing the best support for cancer patients and their family.  The ball is our way of raising money to help the Irish Cancer Society with the invaluable work they do. They provide a Night Nursing service for critically ill patients with cancer in their home. This service is vital to relieve the difficulties that families experience during this time. Night Nursing allows the patient to remain at home, thereby maintaining the continuity of care that the patient has experienced, surrounded by their family and supported by the home care team. Night Nurses sit with the patient through the night, providing nursing care, practical support and reassurance. The Night Nursing service has now been extended to cover patients with cancer during stages other than terminal illness e.g. respites care. This allows the family time to rest and take a break from their very demanding caring role. The service is free of charge.  This year more so than any year your help is needed, we don’t stop needing help just because there is a recession.”

Rose O’ Dea of the Irish Cancer Society says “We have 65 nurses on our books covering the Munster area. From 2009 – 2010 the night nursing department provided 2548 nights of care to the Munster area. With an average cost at €350 p/night the total amount spent on nights of care is €891,800.”

Even in the recession last year’s ball was a great success and a cheque for over €11,000 was presented to Rose.  We are hoping to do as well this year.

This year the Butterfly Ball presents ‘A Spring Masquerade’ and we will be encouraging revellers to wear masks if they are brave enough.  There will of course be a prize for the best mask! This year’s Ball takes place on Saturday 26^th March in the beautiful surroundings of the Radisson Blu, in Little Island.  The event promises to be an extravaganza of glitz, glamour and sophistication.  The night will commence with a drinks reception at 7.30pm followed by a sumptuous dinner, an auction, raffle and a long night of music and craic.  Music this year is provided by the Cobh based band; The Big Band who will keep you on your feet and for the young at heart they are followed by a DJ.

Tickets are €80 and can be purchased from any committee member or by contacting them on the following numbers: 021 4814172 or 086 3779948.  You can also email butterflyswing@gmail.com

For more information on Butterfly Wings (the charity) or to get involved contact:

butterflyswing@gmail.com or friend us on facebook