NEARLY 300 AT ORANGE-TIE FUNDRAISING NIGHT
SOME 270 guests from across Wexford, and further afield, dressed in their finery recently for the Cycle Against Suicide Orange Tie Ball, which took place in The Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey.
Organiser Joe Dixon said that the evening was a tremendous success, both in raising awareness of the Cycle Against Suicide message, and also as a fundraiser. The guests enjoyed a reception followed by a four course meal, and dancing to music by the Pat Fitz Band.
Guest speakers included Paul McBride, CEO of Cycle Against Suicide, who thanked Joe and Catriona Dixon and the local organisers. ‘It was inspiring to see how the communities in Gorey and the greater Wexford area came out in such strength,’ he said. ‘ These communities really embraced the message that “it’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help.”’
Another speaker was Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee, who said that Cycle Against Suicide had helped to show people suffering from mental health difficulties that they are not alone, that there are other people suffering in the same way, and that there are supports in place to help. Thanking all involved, Joe Dixon also thanked the Redmond brothers and the Ashdown Park Hotel management and staff; the business community and people in Gorey and North Wexford for their sponsorship and support, and all who helped in any way.