Gems going under hammer

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Feb 10, 2007

Ruby-loving revellers will paint the town red to raise cash for charity.

A stunning range of gems, set in 9ct gold, will be auctioned as part of the ChildLine Ruby Ball.

Money raised by the sale of the jewels, from Ortak Jewellery, will go towards keeping the crucial helpline for children going in the North East.

The ball will be held on March 16, at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead. Guests will enjoy dinner and a live jazz band, and there will be a chance to win prizes in an auction.

Other prizes include a Hilton weekend break with BMW, a Venture photography package, and Newcastle United corporate passes.

Last year's ball raised pounds 28,200 for the charity's work in the North East, and the 2007 event aims to raise at least pounds 34,000.

Clare Framrose, ChildLine's regional fundraiser for the North East, said: "The ball aims to bring the people of the North East together to raise funds for this lifesaving service.

"ChildLine North East and Yorkshire currently receives calls from more than 650 children every day, but lack of funds means only half of them can get through to our counsellors."

Tickets are pounds 60. For information call (0191) 212 7940 or email cframrose@childline.org.uk.