The Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust held a Bethlehem Ball dinner and dance at the Niagara Conference Centre in Sheffield, drawing a crowd of 150 people from across the Diocese of Hallam in support of its vital work.
The event was a blend of dining, entertainment and generosity, with all proceeds going to aid hospice care initiatives in Bethlehem.
The evening began with grace by Fr Gus O’Reilly and welcome addresses by the chair of the organising committee Joe McNally and chairman of the trust Professor Philip Hopkins.
Attendees were then joined by Fr. Rami Asakreih OFM, parish priest of St Catherine’s parish in Bethlehem, over Zoom. He outlined the importance of the trust’s work in providing vital palliative care in the Holy Land.
Fr Rami’s words set the tone for an event that celebrated both community and compassion across borders.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and a lively auction led by former All Saints headteacher Bob Sawyer who kept the room engaged with his humour, driving up bids for a variety of donated items.
Entertainment was provided by talented local band The Grand Plan who performed free of charge as their contribution to the cause and their lively set kept guests on the dancefloor all night.
The Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust, the only licensed palliative care service in Palestine plays a critical role in providing palliative care and support in Bethlehem, a mission made possible through fundraising efforts like this. Joe McNally thanked all attendees, donors and volunteers, emphasising the importance of their contributions in delivering pain relief to people who otherwise would be consigned to die in pain.
This year’s dinner dance stands as a testament to the power of collective goodwill, uniting the Diocese of Hallam and Bethlehem in shared humanity.
Written by L.Siggs
