Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel – winner of this year’s *DCCI Business Engagement with Education award – has challenged five students to organise a charity Masquerade Ball.
The Arts University Bournemouth students are arranging every aspect of the Ball on February 18, from compiling a guest list and sending out the invitations, to sourcing reception drinks, music and even the room decorations – all with a budget of just £450.
Rosie Wallace, general manager of the Marsham Court, said: “The students are required to organise a public event as part of their degree in Creative Events Management and the Arts University asked us to be involved.
“The Masquerade Ball aims to attract corporate sponsors for this year’s Bournemouth & East Dorset Relay for Life event, a two-day, team event in aid of Cancer Research UK (July 1st and 2nd 2017 at Butcher’s Coppice).
“The Marsham Court enters a team into Relay for Life each year and works closely with the event committee to drum up sponsorship for the event.
“Everyone was happy for the students to take a lead role in the Ball and even though I think they were pretty overwhelmed when we told them what we wanted them to do, they’ve really thrown themselves into it.”
In addition to organising the ball the students have been tasked with identifying potential sponsors for Relay for Life and have been given a target of raising £2000 on the night.
One of the students, Cécile Berbezy, said: “None of us have done anything on this scale before, but we are thrilled to be working with the Marsham Court and Relay for Life and it’s going really well.
“Rosie and her team have been so supportive and are teaching us so much about event planning and negotiation.
“With her guidance we have already found a DJ and a music duo and we are currently negotiating with food and drink suppliers to keep quality high and costs within our budget.
“We are aiming to give guests a really great night, with top notch entertainment, great food and the chance to support a great charity.”
Tickets to the Masquerade Ball cost just £30 (with £10 from each ticket going to Relay for Life). Book tickets now on: 01202 552111.
Pic caption: LONE RANGERS: Arts University students Cécile Berbezy. Ben Ferris, Abi Tudge, Viktorija Bubelyte and Holly Norman
Information for editors
* The Marsham Court received the coveted Dorset Business Award Engagement with Education award from sponsor Voip Unlimited for helping youngsters of all backgrounds and abilities enter a career in hospitality.
The family-run hotel in Russell-Cotes Road works with local schools on the ground breaking Hotel and Leisure Opportunities (HALO) scheme.
It also offers work experience and permanent jobs to the long term unemployed and is home to the innovative CHI (Classroom in the Heart of Industry) training school for young people with learning difficulties.
