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Learning Curve Group held their annual charity ball at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield on Friday the 19th of November. The national training provider, with its headquarters in Spennymoor, created a Charitable Foundation in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation to be able to give funds to multiple charity organisations across the North East.

The theme of this year’s charity ball was a Barn Dance, and after having to cancel last year's ball, the training provider pulled out all the stops to make sure this year's charity event was one to remember. They welcomed over 170 guests to take part in an evening of line dancing, western games and live entertainment, all to raise money for charity.

Learning Curve Group’s Charity Barn Dance raised an incredible total of £13,226! Which succeeds their last charity ball in 2019, which raised £12,000. This money will go towards supporting local charities that have a huge impact on people’s lives in the North East and Tees Valley. Through LCG’s partnership with County Durham Community Foundation, LCG have been able to split their funds to go to multiple small charitable organisations such as Lifeline Community Action, The Cornforth Partnership and Tees Valley Women’s Centre. These charities are ones that often miss out on receiving large donations, so LCG wanted a way to be able to support them.

CEO of LCG, Brenda McLeish, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to raise over £13,000 at our Charity Barn Dance, which will help so many people in our local area. We have been so inspired by the fantastic work that small, local charities do and the impact they have. It is so important that we continue to support these organisations to ensure they can continue to make a difference in the North East.

Charity is a huge part of our culture at LCG, and our charity ball is always one of the days I look forward to the most every year. So, to be able to put on such a fantastic event for people to enjoy whilst also raising awareness and funds for these organisations is fantastic.”

Alison Goulding, Communications and Development Manager at County Durham Community Foundation said: “It is great when we can work with businesses like Learning Curve Group who want to give in a really thoughtful and impactful way. LCG has supported some small, grassroots charities who are in the heart of their communities. These charities are doing such life changing and life saving work.”

BBC radio presenter, Matt Bailey hosted the evening introducing the night with a western twist. The night began with a raffle draw, which brought in so many donations! The prizes included flights from Teesside International Airport, afternoon tea at Hardwick Hall Hotel, a signed NUFC shirt and more! All prizes were donated by businesses that work in partnership with Learning Curve Group to deliver training and local surrounding businesses from DurhamGate industrial estate.

The night included live entertainment from Khalysis and Western band The Indianas. Guests were then entertained by Encore Dance Group and took part in some line dancing. The auction then took place which included 2 tickets to next year's charity ball, an overnight stay for two at Hardwick Hall Hotel and two hospitality tickets for Middlesbrough Football Club.

The national training provider is extremely grateful for everyone who attended the Barn Dance, the ball sponsors NCFE, Scholars School System and Big Purple Productions, businesses who donated such generous prizes and their employees for organising the event. LCG are looking forward to splitting the funds raised throughout 2022 to support as many charity organisations as possible.

Want to relive the Barn Dance? Check out our video!

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