The Aisling Centre, Giving Hope Gala on Friday, October 23 promises to be the most glamorous fundraising event of the year. Master of Ceremonies and Gala host is the engaging and popular, Wendy Austin, BBC Journalist and Broadcaster. The Gala, which is being held in the 5-Star Lough Erne Hotel, will celebrate 25 years of the Aisling Centre and, is a night not to be missed.

The evening will start at 7.30pm with a drinks reception and a rendition from the Janzen’s, well-known and popular local acapella harmony group. The Gala’s gourmet meal is being prepared and presented by the globally acclaimed Chef Noel McMeel. Noel, whose award winning cookbooks are credited with putting Irish food on the world stage, prides himself on working with fresh food in season. His menu of modern Irish cuisine will be accompanied by a selection of fine wines presented by John Donnelly, one of Ireland’s most highly respected and knowledgeable Sommeliers.

The fashion extravaganza will be a highlight of the night. Models including former Miss NIs Mary McCartney and Judith Grey and friends will be showcasing a stunning range of autumn and winter fashions from Debenhams with their stylist Tracey giving tips on fashion and trends for ladies and gents. No outfit is complete without the right accessories and a range of designer and hand crafted jewellery will be showcased by Belleek Pottery.

The Giving Hope Gala is packed full of entertainment and surprises with a free gala draw, spot prizes and Positive Parties. In honour of the 25th anniversary prizes will be awarded to the lady and the gentleman wearing the most original splash of silver.

The glitz of a Gala is far from the day to day work of the Aisling Centre but as Dr Ann McDermott, Chairperson explained. “In this our 25th anniversary year we decided to celebrate the work of the Centre and, the Giving Hope Gala is one way of doing that. It is also an opportunity to raise some much needed funds. These are difficult times; we are faced with decreasing resources at a time of growing need. We are very dependent on the support of the community, their generosity enables us to offer the level of service we do”. Vice-Chairperson Alison Annan added: “We have been given so much support in organising the Giving Hope Gala. Everyone involved is giving their time and talents free of charge. We are also being very well supported by local business with many of them making it their Christmas outing for staff and/or clients. It is going to be a fantastic night and the money raised will be solely used for the provision of counselling services at the Aisling Centre”.

The Aisling Centre is dedicated to the promotion of positive mental health and emotional well-being. 2015 is a special year for the Centre as they celebrate 25 years of offering hope and healing to those in distress and despair. Counselling, psychotherapy and play therapy form the core service of the Centre and last year more than 5000 sessions of counselling were offered.

The Aisling Centre Giving Hope Gala takes place in the five Star Lough Erne Hotel, Friday, October 23 2015 at 7.30pm. For further information and tickets contact the Aisling Centre on 028 66 325811.