Charities invited to submit applicationsl

Charities are invited to apply to be one of the beneficiaries.

This year's ball, held at the hotel in May, raised a record £44,000. Nine charities benefited, including the Samaritans, the Well Woman Centre, the Green Hut, Asthma Relief and Music Alive.

The black tie evening is supported by the Evening Advertiser, Nationwide, Swindon Rotary Club and the Marriott Hotel.

Money raised on the evening was doubled by Nationwide thanks to its Pound for Pound scheme.

Since the ball was launched in 1989 it has raised more than £440,000 for local charities.

Michelle Leighton, community affairs manager for Nationwide, is chairing the committee for next year's ball. She said: "We want to hear from as many community groups and charities as possible, even if they only need as little as £1,000. Last time we had nine beneficiaries and we would be happy to have as many again."

Ian Price, spokesman for Swindon Samaritans and trustee of Friends of Young Carers, both of which won grants this year, said: "Lots of charities should apply because it is so difficult to raise money in today's environment, and this is a fantastic way of doing it.

"It's Swindon businesses that put up the money and Swindon people who benefit.

"The work the Adver does to promote it is great, and it is really beneficial to local charities. And it's a great night out as well."

Any local group wishing to apply for a grant should fill in the form below or apply online at ....

SHARES of the proceeds of next year's Marriott Charity Ball await local good causes.

Charities are invited to apply to be one of the beneficiaries.

This year's ball, held at the hotel in May, raised a record £44,000. Nine charities benefited, including the Samaritans, the Well Woman Centre, the Green Hut, Asthma Relief and Music Alive.

The black tie evening is supported by the Evening Advertiser, Nationwide, Swindon Rotary Club and the Marriott Hotel.

Money raised on the evening was doubled by Nationwide thanks to its Pound for Pound scheme.

Since the ball was launched in 1989 it has raised more than £440,000 for local charities.

Michelle Leighton, community affairs manager for Nationwide, is chairing the committee for next year's ball. She said: "We want to hear from as many community groups and charities as possible, even if they only need as little as £1,000. Last time we had nine beneficiaries and we would be happy to have as many again."

Ian Price, spokesman for Swindon Samaritans and trustee of Friends of Young Carers, both of which won grants this year, said: "Lots of charities should apply because it is so difficult to raise money in today's environment, and this is a fantastic way of doing it.

"It's Swindon businesses that put up the money and Swindon people who benefit.

"The work the Adver does to promote it is great, and it is really beneficial to local charities. And it's a great night out as well."

Any local group wishing to apply for a grant should fill in the form below or apply online at www.thecharityball.org