Derby County Community Trust hosted the second Black and White Ball last night, held exclusively at Osmaston Park in Ashbourne.

The ticketed event welcomed over 160 staff members from across the Club and Trust and guests from a wide range of businesses and sectors who pledged their support to the charitable arm of the football club.

The evening saw guests learn about various programmes that the Community Trust offer, from 2023 programme of the year Menopause Matters to hearing directly from participants directly involved in our Inclusive DS Active team.

DS Active offers football sessions for players with Down’s Syndrome, with three players taking to the stage to with their parents to open up about the true impact this programme has had on them. 

We also heard from PIB Insurance, a valued Trust Partner who shared why they get involved with the Trust and support in so many ways. Whether that's sponsorship, or helping us create meaningful experiences with last year's Santa's grotto at Community Corner.

The speakers were rounded up with a catch up with Head Coach and Assistant Head Coach Paul Warne and Richie Barker, who gave an update on pre-season, along with expressing their support for the Community Trust’s work.

Through a number of games and raffles, with some incredible prizes donated by local businesses, including a four ball at Brailsford Golf Club, 12-piece Denby Dinner service set, tickets to Disney on Ice and afternoon tea for two at Dovecote restaurant. 

The auction raised an incredible £6,425, with guests generously bidding on exclusive lots donated by many of the companies in the room.

''What a fantastic night. I am proud of everyone involved who have been able to bring back such a successful event. We know we work alongside some incredible businesses locally, and the standard of the prizes donated demonstrated that. The turnout and generosity shown on the evening was incredible.

We have several amazing stories from across all departments within the Trust, and the ball provides the perfect platform to share them. It will continue to be an annual fixture in the charity’s calendar, where they will continue to raise vital funds to support the many aspects of their award-winning work.

We would just like to reiterate our huge thanks to Clowes Developments, who once again supported the Black and White Ball as headline sponsors''.

Simon Carnall | Head of Community, Derby County Community Trust

Prizes at the auction included a Wembley hospitality experience for the upcoming Charity Shield match, donated by Delaware North, a Moor Farm training experience for a local team led by Paul Warne and his first team staff and a private dining experience donated by the night’s caterers, Butler’s Pantry, along with an exclusive SAS whisky decanter and whisky donated by supporter Neil Bennett.

One of the highest bidder items was for the trip of a lifetime. It was an opportunity for one person to join Derby County Community trust on their next Rams in Kenya trip, taking place in 2025.

Following the auction, the final figure raised on the evening was an amazing £12,601.