The Value Car Parks Waterloo Ball achieved amazing success for Northern Ireland’s charitable sector, raising £135,000 to fund critical services for persons with disabilities and disadvantaged youth throughout the province. The black-tie banquet, held on May 24th, 2025, at Shaw’s Bridge in south Belfast, drew over 600 people in an impressive display of community solidarity.
Callow Events organized the fundraising event, which was hosted by the Shaw’s Bridge Sports Association, demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing key social issues. The funds earned will be distributed between two significant charities: £100,000 for Mencap Northern Ireland and £35,000 for Lord’s Taverners Northern Ireland, both of which work to empower vulnerable communities.
The evening marked more than simply milestone anniversaries, such as Mencap Northern Ireland’s 60th and The Lord’s Taverners’ 75th. It represented a collective investment in Northern Ireland’s most disadvantaged residents, opening doors to independence and opportunity.
Mencap Northern Ireland works relentlessly to help families with learning difficulties. The charity makes people able to live freely, find meaningful work, and actively engage in their communities. Mencap will use the funds donated to develop its summer activity programmes to serve over 300 young people with learning impairments, offering critical chances for growth and social connection during the hard summer months.
Lord’s Taverners Northern Ireland aims to empower young people through sport and recreation. The charity understands that physical activity and teamwork may unlock potential in ways that traditional techniques cannot. Their sports activities provide a safe environment in which confidence increases, friendships form, and life skills emerge naturally.
Mencap relies largely on charitable donations and community support to continue providing services. Corporate sponsorships and philanthropic gifts serve as the financial underpinning for making these critical services available to people in greatest need.
The 20-piece Ibiza Orchestra and Boyzlife, which included former Boyzone and Westlife members Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, performed during the evening. Mencap’s Northern Ireland ambassador, James Martin, attended and raised major awareness for the cause.
Emma McCausland, CEO of Value Car Parks and member of Mencap NI’s fundraising team, exhibited purpose-driven corporate leadership. “As a member of Mencap NI’s fundraising committee, I’ve witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact this charity has on families across Northern Ireland,” McCausland said, emphasizing the personal link that elevates business participation from obligation to passion.
The event’s success was dependent on outstanding community collaboration. Local businesses such as CRASH Services, Leslie Hughes, Lunn’s, McConnell’s Distillery, Nu Delhi, Bavarian,Oasis, GMcG, H&J Martin, Value Car Parks, Luceille Cassidy, and Wilson’s Auctions exemplified the collaborative spirit required for transformative fundraising.
The evening’s format—featuring a drinks reception, dinner by local caterer Yellow Door, and high-energy live and silent auctions—created multiple ways for guests to engage and give. This approach ensured that every attendee could participate meaningfully, whether through auction bidding, corporate sponsorship, or simply showing community support.
Grainne Close, Director of Mencap NI, summed up the evening’s significance: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to highlight the critical work Mencap does to support people with learning disabilities to live the life they want – to work, play, learn, and truly thrive right across Northern Ireland.”
The cash raised will go directly to organizations that make a significant difference in people’s lives. Every pound helps to sustain the support structures that allow people with learning impairments to continue their education, find work, form relationships, and contribute to their communities. The Lord’s Taverners contribution will provide sporting opportunities for young people who might otherwise lack access to structured activities, helping to build confidence, teamwork, and physical well-being.
These organizations create inclusive environments that serve as examples of how communities can help their most vulnerable people. By reducing barriers and giving various options, they ensure that circumstances do not dictate life outcomes.
The £135,000 raised will ensure that critical services continue, opportunities develop, and Northern Ireland’s commitment to supporting all of its inhabitants is unwavering.
