The Bling Fling businesswomen are celebrating some exciting news, having been selected as finalists in the prestigious Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards.
The Bling Fling Committee is in the running for the Community Award – the category sponsored by Simply Biz group, honouring business organisations “with a conscience and a commitment to social responsibility” which go the extra mile to make a positive impact on their local community.
It recognises the Committee’s ongoing good work in raising thousands of pounds for the Forget-Me-Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield, through their Bling Fling Ladies Lunches “with a difference.”
Now into their third year, the events, held at The Arches in Halifax, attract hundreds of successful businesswomen from across Kirklees and Calderdale, giving them a rare chance to let their hair down, while raising funds for the charity at the same time.
Head of the Bling Fling Committee Vicki Davenport said: “We’re all absolutely delighted to have got to the final stage in such high profile media awards. For us, it’s reward enough having an amazing day out with like-minded people, while being able to support such a wonderful cause at the same time. But it is a lovely bonus to be recognised by the local press, who’ve actually given the Bling Fling a great deal of support, by helping us to publicise the events each year.”
It all began with the Diamond Bling Fling in 2018 which had a glittering jewellery theme. Two lucky guests got chance to win stunning prizes of unique jewellery worth more than £5,000 crafted specially for the occasion by Franklyn’s Jewellers of Halifax. The fund-raiser brought in a breath-taking £17,750 for the Hospice, which supports children with life-shortening illnesses and their families.
After that successful start, there was nothing else for it but to continue with the events and so the only way then was up. The 2019 Floral Bling Fling returned with a blooming colourful new theme, featuring beautiful flowers available for guests to buy in order to enter a special prize draw. Volunteers from Dewsbury Rams Rugby League club put a bit of muscle behind the event pitching in with a team of “Butlers in Bowties” and helping it to top the previous total raising £22,000 for the Hospice.
Plans are now well underway for the 2020 event and this time it’s “We’ll meet again” with a vintage theme. With the Bling Fling reputation now well-established, tickets sold out within a week of going on sale but the committee are still looking for business sponsors.
The latest theme has been chosen because the Bling Fling takes place on May 1, just a week before the 75th anniversary of VE day so it was decided that going Vintage would be a great way to incorporate this into the celebrations. And the committee has its sights set on a third time even luckier total, topping the previous two successes.
The team will be dining together in style once again on Thursday, November 7 – but this time they themselves will be the pampered guests, as they find out whether they’ve clinched the title at the Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards dinner. The Black Tie ceremony is held at St John’s Stadium, Huddersfield and hosted by BBC Look North star presenter Harry Gration with category finalists meeting the judging panel and leading figures from the business community.
Huddersfield Examiner editor Wayne Ankers says of the awards: “Over the past fourteen years it has been fantastic to see so many businesses in the region rising to the challenges presented, showing not only how talented they are, but also their endless determination, entrepreneurial spirit, enterprise, innovation and creativity to make it happen. Our awards aim to recognise that drive and ambition and celebrate all the success stories.
“We look forward to highlighting those business achievements and showcasing to the wider world how Huddersfield and district is a great place to do business”.
