FASHION, FOOD AND FUN
DON O’NEILL INSPIRED FASHION AND FOOD GALA EVENING RAISES €20,000 FOR RECOVERY HAVEN FACILITY
CLOSE to 400 people attended the Don O’Neill Gala Dinner in aid of Recovery Haven at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel last Friday evening which showcased the best in fashion, food and fun – an event that helped raise a hugely impressive €20,000 for the cancer support service.
Renowned fashion designer from Ballyheigue and his husband Pascal Guillermie wel- comed guests, and together they set the menu for an exciting evening. But this was no ordinary menu as it contained some of the favourite dishes enjoyed by late Mim O’Neill - Don’s mother, who died of cancer in 2012.
The couple worked hard and put some careful consideration into ensuring the menu was at its best, resulting in a master class in cooking which was well received by guests. And Don is no stranger to the kitchen having trained as a chef prior to pursuing a career in fashion.
The menu included fresh fruit salad, mushroom soup, and a choice of rump of Kerry lamb or fillet of sea trout, followed by Mim’s favourite dessert - traditional summer berries Pavlova.
Recovery Haven PR & Marketing Officer, and close friend of Don and Pascal, Marisa Reidy, said the event was an incredible success, adding that the charity is indebted to Don and Pascal for their amazing support.
“To think that we sold out a ballroom in just four weeks since announcing the event, and made in excess of €20,000 in the process, is just beyond our wildest dreams,” Marisa said. “I said it on the night, and I’ll say it again: that is what you call the Don O’Neill effect.”
Don and Pascal’s friends from the world of entertainment, charity and the arts also made the trip to Tralee. Among them were RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy, charity campaigner Adi Roche, and artists Pauline Bewick and her daughter Poppy Melia.
The event started with a champagne and cocktail reception, while the stunning backdrop to the Ballyroe Heights Hotel made for impressive red carpet photo opportunities. Guests were entertained by the glamorous O’Neill Sisters, who said they were delighted to support such an important cause, praising the fantastic facility that is Recovery Haven. Don and Pascal’s incredible wedding band, The Bentley Boys Band, also made the trip from Dublin especially for the occasion.
But wherever Don O’Neill is you can be sure that fashion is never far behind, and the diverse array of sartorial elegance complimented the event no end. A number of local businesses eagerly came on board to sponsor some remarkable spot prizes.
Orla Diffily judged best dressed on the night which went to Ballyheigue lady Karen O’Sullivan and she received a THEIA gown. A THEIA dress was won by Diane Keating, while Phil Hussey and Danny Leane also picked up prizes for their stand-out fashion.
Marisa concluded. “We want to thank Don and Pascal, and the extended O’Neill family, for their amazing support and the fact that they thought so highly of Recovery Haven to make this amazing gesture is an absolute privilege for us. From the hotel, to the sponsors, to the volunteers and everyone who made it happen – we simply don’t have adequate words to thank everyone.”