Down Syndrome Centre North East all set to host 'A Night in the Spotlight!'

The Down Syndrome Centre North East (DSCNE), a charity based in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, says it is thrilled to launch its most-awaited event of the year, A Night in the Spotlight!

Taking place on Sunday 12 November, in the Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan, get ready to witness an event filled with glitz, glamour, fun and entertainment, and the celebration of the finest models the North East has to offer!

57 of models aged between 2 and 60 years old (and all who just happen to have Down Syndrome) will strut their stuff under the Spotlight showcasing the latest fashion from local shops and get you in the mood for the festive season.

RTE’s weatherman, Gerry Murphy and Caroline Mc Elroy, the well-known and popular presenter and stylist from Louth, will be the MCs.

Monaghan’s own legend singer-songwriter Marty Mone will be getting the crowd singing and clapping, best known for his songs “Hit the Diff” and “Slip the Clutch.”

Barn Door Creative Studio from Mullingar will dazzle the crowd with their energetic dance routines with their close friend, professional dancer Denys Samson, from “Dancing with the Stars”. They are currently blazing a trail for young people with Down Syndrome and will light up the floor.

There will also be a silent and a live auction on the day which is sure to offer something of interest to all, some light children’s entertainment, a raffle, and surprise star prizes to complete the night. Fun and enjoyment for all the family whilst also being a major fundraiser for this local charity.

Doors open at 3pm, and the show starts at 4pm, which works for everyone with school and work the next day!

The Fundraising Committee of parents and volunteers have been hard at work to ensure this year’s event surpasses all expectations. Prepare yourself for a night that celebrates style, creativity, passion and the Down Syndrome community.

The previous fashion show fundraising event in 2019 was a real crowd puller and raised over €33,000, which is essential as the charity relies on fundraising, and charitable donations as they receive no government funding for the running of the service.

The centre provides free and heavily subsidised supports and services to children with Down Syndrome, and their families, in the North East region – namely Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and surrounding areas.

The main sponsor is Shoreline Apartments and owner Yvonne Sheanon attended the official launch in the centre and presented the committee with a cheque for €5,000. The secondary sponsor is Monaghan Electrical.

The DSC North East says it is “so thankful to Shoreline Apartments, and Monaghan Electrical Wholesale for coming on board so early as sponsors for this event”.

Denise Marron, Services Coordinator at DSC North East says; “It’s an event for the whole North East to get involved with.

“Thank you to both companies, as well as the many other sponsors and businesses that are supporting the event to help the fundraiser a huge success. The community spirit to support a charity event is great to see.”

It is not too late for other sponsors to get involved in the event if they wished to advertise their business, sponsor overheads, donate an item to the charity auction, raffle, or ‘Star Bags’ which are a lucky dip. The minimum value contained in each of these bags will be €20, but it could be considerably more.

If you cannot attend the event but still want to support this worthwhile cause there is an online raffle for a chance to win a hotel break. You can enter via www.idonate.ie/raffle/DSCNE.

Tickets are available from the DSC North East website www.dscnortheast.ie/events and the office in Carrickmacross by calling 042 942 3181 or visiting Units 16-18 CTEK Building, Carrickmacross, A81 FY61.

Tickets start at €5 for children, €25 for adults and €55 for a family (2 adults, 2 children.) Wheelchair accessible tickets are available also. A Night in the Spotlight will be a night to remember!

New and expectant families, and volunteers, are always welcome and can find more information by contacting the centre. All details can be found via www.dscnortheast.ie. Currently the centre is supporting over 90 families and is parent-led and run by a voluntary Board of Directors.