Partygoers got glammed up for a night of James Bond-inspired fun in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The Casino Royale night was one of the highlights during a year-long programme of events organised by kind-hearted Shanice Green.
The phenomenal fundraiser, 26, has been a long-time supporter of EACH since brother Leo died when he was just 20 days old in 2010. Along with mum Caroline, she recently presented a cheque for more than £2,500 to EACH Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller during a visit to The Nook, near Norwich.
Shanice, from March, in Cambridgeshire, also organised three successful tenpin bowling nights and had “the best time ever” when hosting her Casino Royale party at Friday Bridge Tower Hall, near Wisbech, in November.
“Around 60 people attended, it went incredibly well and, from this event alone, we raised around £700,” said Shanice, who has already booked the same venue for a wild west-themed party.
“I was very grateful so many people turned out and they enjoyed putting on their best dresses and tuxedos. They seemed to enjoy getting glammed up – perhaps because it had been so long due to the pandemic – and it was the best night ever. Everyone looked amazing.
“We had music, a raffle and a casino table, where people could play roulette. It was great fun.”
Shanice started her fundraising year with a successful raffle, which raised £300 in March. She had been planning to host a bingo night but had to cancel it when her grandad sadly died just a few days before.
She also organised three tenpin bowling nights, in June, August and October. Each was enjoyed by a minimum of 30 people, raising £300 apiece, and took place at Play2Day, at Guyhirn.
“I’m very lucky to have such supportive family and friends and also very grateful to Play2Day,” said Shanice.
“They are very generous and ensure a certain amount from each ticket sold goes directly to EACH. The bowling nights are great fun and incredibly popular and whenever I ask people what they want me to organise, they always say that.
“We’re planning to do another one in February.”
Shanice’s fundraising pot was also topped up by best friend Matthew Holder, who competes in the national gymkhana championship, known as Formula G.
Thanks to Formula G, Yugen Factory and British Drift Championship spectators, he was able to contribute nearly £300. Formula G have recently been in contact with Shanice and are keen to speak to her and offer more support in the New Year.
Shanice’s fundraising will help EACH continue supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
The charity is a cause close to her heart, having lost baby brother Leo when he was just 20 days old in 2010. He was born prematurely at 23 weeks at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. It meant his organs were not developed enough to survive.
His family spent the next three weeks at EACH’s former Norfolk hospice at Quidenham. While there they received “amazing” support, in addition to help organising Leo’s funeral.
“EACH will always have a special place in my heart and every time I do something, it’s in memory of my little brother,” said Shanice, who also organised other raffles throughout 2022.
“I was so young when he died and thought my world was over. I still think about him all the time but, as I’ve got older, I’ve come to realise that he gave me a gift because he’s inspired me to help other people.
“I can’t imagine not doing it and find it so much fun. I still can’t believe I’ve raised so much. It’s far more than I thought and when I totted up the total I thought ‘wow’.
“I didn’t know how things would pan out this year, because I know times are hard for people at the moment. It’s very heart-warning and whenever things go well, it makes me feel very emotional because it’s so personal.
“I’m so grateful to everyone for their help and support.”
