Sunderland Echo

Brewing up for a good cause

AFTERNOON TEA WILL HELP SUPPORT FAMILIES OF YOUNG HEART PATIENTS

- By Katy Wheeler Katy.Wheeler@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @KatyJourno

Enjoy a 1920’s afternoon tea in the Edwardian surroundin­gs of Sunderland Empire as it opens its doors for a special event.

In a rare opportunit­y for visitors, the traditiona­l afternoon tea will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 12.30pm to raise funds for the theatre’s chosen charity, Red Sky Ball for CHUF.

The venue was inspired to help the charity by Sunderland youngster Luna Petrucci, four, who underwent a lifesaving operation at the Children’s Heart Unit based at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle two years ago.

Since her successful recovery, her parents Emma and Sergio Petrucci have establishe­d Red Sky Ball and raised more than £110,000 in under 18 months, as well as continuing to generate awareness and donations for the unit.

The unit is one of only two in the UK supporting babies and children who require heart transplant­s.

The afternoon tea is set in the splendour of the newly-refurbishe­d Dress Circle Bar area of the Grade II-listed venue.

Theatre staff will volun- teer their time and a range of raffle prizes and support has been secured from businesses including the Bridges, Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland Marriott Hotel, Morrisons, Ramside Hall, SAFC and The Funky Indian, ensuring all money raised from tickets is donated to the cause.

The money raised from Red Sky Ball goes towards making life more comfortabl­e for heart children and their families in hospita.

Tickets are £12.95, with an option to upgrade to a Prosecco package for £15.95. Booking is essential and tickets can be booked at the Box Office on High Street West or by calling 0191 566 1045.

 ??  ?? An afternoon tea takes place in the Sunderland Empire’s Dress Circle Bar. Inset, the Petrucci family.
An afternoon tea takes place in the Sunderland Empire’s Dress Circle Bar. Inset, the Petrucci family.

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