Laois community raises €120,000 for 'Ballyroan Goes to Hollywood' fundraiser

After six months of fundraising and preparation the community of Ballyroan are almost ready to experience the bright lights of Hollywood.  The community has been working very hard to raise money for the development of the site known locally as the boy’s school. This development will include a Playground, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and additional parking.

For their 'Ballyroan Goes to Hollywood' fundraiser over 100 members of the community have been involved in rehearsing and recording seven well-known movie clips, with some great acting skills coming to light. Each of the seven groups have organised mini fundraisers in an effort to raise €150,000.

"These events have brought a huge sense of community involvement, lovely moments for the kids and some laughter for the adults," said Ballyroan Community Development CLG.

"To date we have been very busy collecting the plastic bottles and cans and organising a health check, a tractor run, massage therapy hosted by Brian Oxley Injury clinic, a movie night showing the Snapper, Nuns on the Run, movie nights for the kids, sports fun day, wax and relax with music by Dinny & MJ, a quiz night, a football blitz, a fancy dress night, a kids craft and dance workshop over the Halloween midterm."

They also held a remote Agri auction and a bake sale. The fundraising efforts continue this weekend with a scrap metal collection and a Texas hold ‘em night on Friday and Saturday, November 15 & 16.  There will also be Toy show treat boxes available to order before November 24. 

All of this is building to a Gala Night in the Manor Hotel on November 23 & 24. Tickets are sold out for the Saturday night but are still available for Sunday, November 24. Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are 35 and are available at https://events54.com/event/ballyroan. 

To wrap it all up a Christmas Monster Bingo will take place on Sunday, December 1 at 3pm in Ballyroan Community Hall with over  €2,500 in prizes to be won.

"To date €120,000 has been raised from all of this hard work, and we really hope we can reach the target of €150,000. We would like to say a special thanks to our event sponsor Ryan’s Centra, especially Ray & Eilish who have been so supportive," added the committee. 

"We would love to see the 24th sell out, so if you want a great night of laughter, and a chance to see some well-known faces bringing their acting skills to light, we suggest you buy a ticket!"