The Moonlight Ball 2026

Home-Start Suffolk raised more than £19,500 at its annual Moonlight Ball at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall.

The event was co-hosted by Rob Thacker, Chair, and Tara Spence, CEO, with the live auction hosted by Gavin Wood, Managing Director at Becketts Financial Services and Matt Clemence, Head of Family Department at Kerseys Solicitors.

The fundraising event featured star auction prizes including the opportunity to become a key character in Home-Start Suffolk patron Anthony Horowitz’s upcoming suspense novel, a week’s stay in Cornwall, a VIP theatre experience for Grace Pervades at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket with a meet-and-greet with fellow Home-Start Suffolk patron Miranda Raison, and an Ipswich Town F.C. pennant signed by the 2025–26 squad.

The Moonlight Ball is an annual event which is held to celebrate Home-Start Suffolk’s community and the difference that can happen when people come together to support one another, with this year’s event raising over £19,500.

Tara said: “At Home-Start Suffolk we know that life happens behind closed doors. And while many families may look like they are coping from the outside, the reality can often be very different.

“Every raffle ticket, every auction bid and every donation raised at The Moonlight Ball helps us to continue opening doors for local families who may otherwise struggle alone.

“The support we have received from attendees, sponsors and prize donors has been amazing and we can’t thank them enough for helping families take that first small step towards the future they deserve.”

Last year, the charity supported 1,496 families, up from 1,400 in 2024-25, with many families facing multiple challenges at the same time. Every penny raised at The Moonlight Ball will go towards helping Home-Start Suffolk meet the increasing demand for family support across Suffolk.

Rob added: “Sometimes having somebody beside you can completely change how a family feels about tomorrow. What families tell us again and again is that what matters most is feeling listened to, understood and not judged.

“Because it is often the simplest things that make the biggest difference.

“Thanks to the support from people in that room on Friday night and from those who supported in other ways, families across Suffolk are able to access support, understanding and practical help during some incredibly difficult moments in their lives.

“A special thanks to all our sponsors whose generosity helped make the night possible, particularly Forefront Utilities, Mauldons Brewery, Sona Insurance Solutions and Jacob Bailey, the four main sponsors of the evening.”

Information about upcoming fundraising events, ways to donate and how to become a volunteer for Home-Start Suffolk is available at homestartinsuffolk.org

Save the date

The Moonlight Ball 2027 will be held on Friday 14th May 2027. Register your interest so we can notify you when tickets become available: Registration form

If you would like to find out more about the sponsorship opportunities for this event please email: events@homestartinsuffolk.org