Star guests and VIPs were going for gold as an astounding £318,000 was raised at the annual Michael Josephson MBE Summer Ball.
Organised by the local businessman, around 400 VIP guests at the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate for the fundraising extravaganza on the hottest night of the year so far which included a performance by Scottish band Texas crowned the incredible night of fundraising with a live performance at the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate on Saturday night.
Inspirational entrepreneur Michael overcame his own traumatic childhood to become a devoted fundraiser for local charities. Having raised £3.4m for the Childline charity in the North West in recent years, he decided to start his own charity ball last year.
While his inaugural ball in 2018 raised £256,000, he raised the bar yet again by reaching £318,916 at Saturday night's event which will be split between Michael's three nominated charities, Variety, the Children's Charity, The Silver Line helpline for the elderly and the Cheadle-based Seashell Trust which supports children and young people with severe learning disabilities.
Michael, 44 of Nether Alderely, suffered horrific abuse in his childhood which resulted in him trying to end it all by jumping off a bridge at the age of 20. But he miraculously survived and vowed to transform his life - he went on to set up his successful business Stocks 2015 Ltd, and was inspired to start an incredible fundraising journey raising millions for charities to try to help other vulnerable people.
Stars at the event were full of praise for inspirational fundraiser Michael and all that he has achieved.
Actress Claire Sweeney, who recently finished filming on new BBC drama Scarborough, said: "I think it's amazing that Michael has taken a negative situation in life and turned into such a positive. And he has spread his charity work right across the board to not only help children but vulnerable older people too."
Michael was joined on stage by another inspirational fundraiser - 11-year-old Dante Marvin who stole the hearts of the audience as he explained how monies donated to Variety has changed his life - as they were able to buy him a state-of-the-art wheelchair.
Michael said: "Wow we have raised over £318k which is absolutely amazing and will changes the lives of so many people, we have made a difference tonight and thanks so much to all our supporters and donors.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the evening with the highlight for me seeing the wonderful smile we put on Dante Marvin's face following by the fantastic concert from Texas."
Michael Josephson MBE received the wonderful Honour of The Freedom of the City of London on Wednesday, 3rd July.
He told alderleyedge.com "It has been a wonderful week raising £318,900 on Saturday for 3 wonderful charities and also on Wednesday receiving the Freedom of the City of London, such an honour and I feel very proud.
"I now look forward to having a long rest and recharge this weekend before starting preparations for the 2020 Summer Ball thanks to all friends, family and supporters "
