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Shining Stars Ball 2017

We Rocked! Wow we did it! The first ever Shining Stars Ball at the Hilton on Friday 29 September was a blast!

We ate the most wonderful grub, we participated in some awesome prize raffles and auctions, we cried, we laughed, we shared some special moments.  We then threw glitter on our faces and danced the night away – what’s not to love!

Oh and we also raised £20k and still counting!

Congratulations to the people we celebrated – our Shining stars…

The Rachel Stevenson School Advocate Award

WINNER

David Hayes, Principal at De La Salle School for being one of our top champions in the education sector. David won the Rachel Stevenson School Advocate Award sponsored by The Card Factory.

“The Shining Stars Ball was a great success. Not only did it proudly celebrate the fantastic and hugely important work of Girls Out Loud, for me personally it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former students who have gone on to great success, having been helped along the way by their Big Sister. On another personal note I was deeply humbled to  be presented with the inaugural ‘Rachel Stevenson School Advocate Award’, which now takes pride of place in my office. The work of Girls Out Loud is crucial in today’s society and for me this event has really given its profile a real boost. Long may it continue.”

The Little Sister Out Loud Award

WINNER

Gemma Major, became the first winner of our Little Sister Out Loud Award sponsored by N Brown.  Gemma was one of or Little Sisters at Oldham Oasis Academy back in 2014 and to say she is a shining example of a young women who has found her voice is an understatement.  She went from a timid, invisible girl to a confident young woman ready to take on the world.  She found someone who believed in her, her Big Sister and this made all the difference. She is now 18 and is the first girl in her family to start University.

“I had an amazing night, met lots of incredible people and left totally inspired.  I can’t put into words how it feels to win the Little Sister Out Loud Award.  What a privilege to be chosen, it means the world.  Thank you!”

The Seed Bomb Award

WINNER

Jo Whitfield, CEO of Coop Food for being our number one Ambassador and championing our work within the retail sector and beyond.  Jo won our Seed Bomb Award sponsored by One Manchester.

“The Shining Stars Ball was a brilliant event which showed what a life-changing effect the Girls Out Loud programme has on the young women it supports. It was truly inspiring to hear the stories of youngsters and their Big Sisters and the strong and supportive bonds they’ve formed. It really was a lovely and uplifting event which beautifully showcased the great work Girls Out Loud does.

I’ve been lucky to have been involved with Girls Out Loud for several years, I truly believe we can empower a new generation of strong women through programmes like this. I was also thrilled to be able to introduce Girls Out Loud to the women I brought along on the night and I’m hoping they’ll be inspired to lend their support too!”

The Big Sister Out Loud Award

WINNER

A very surprised Hattie Pearson DJ, voice over artist, resident DJ and Key 103 presenter won our Big Sister Out Loud Award sponsored by Accenture.   Hattie has gone above and beyond being a Big Sister 2 years running at a challenging school in Salford.  Her Little Sisters have benefited from her passion and inspiration and Alisha, one of her mentee’s was there to cheer her on.

“It was such an honour to receive the Big Sister Out Loud award at the ball. It took me by complete surprise but it was all the better that I was able to share the moment with my Little Sister Alisha who was able to attend the ball with me. We had a really fun night celebrating our friendship and all the great work Girls Out Loud do.“

The Corporate Brand Ambassador Award

WINNER

The team at Enterprise Rent A Car walked away with the Corporate Brand Ambassador Award sponsored by Pladis in recognition of all their support financially and in nominating many of their female team to volunteer at our school events and participate in our Big Sister programme.   Without socially responsible employees like Enterprise our work would have ground to a halt years ago.

“The Shining Stars Ball  was a terrific showcase for all the wonderful work of Girls Out Loud.  We were delighted to sponsor the Rock Star award!  Gina Louise’s accomplishments are impressive and we wish her  all the best for the future!

We were also honoured to be recognised for Corporate Brand Ambassador Award.  This award recognises all the hard work our women and men do in our workplace to promote our values and strengthen the communities we serve.”

The Rock Star Award

WINNER

And finally a very emotional Gina Moore won the first ever Rock Star Award sponsored by Enterprise Rent A Car.  This is a discretionary award given to an individual who rocks and carries the baton for female empowerment for girls everywhere.  Gina’s story from a troubled teenager to a confident and aspirational young women moved the room.  Gina is testament to the power of self-belief and how it is possible to turn your life around when you have someone who believes in you unconditionally and who gives you a new set of tools.  Gina worked with Jane on the first ever Girls Out Loud programme back in 2008 when at 15 she was struggling to survive a dysfunctional upbringing involving physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment,  a stint in the care system, bullying at school and disconnection from the world around her.

Today she is 24, about to qualify as a PE teacher, her dream job, one she has worked hard to realise. She is in a loving and healthy relationship and Mummy to an adorable little girl.

She is bold, brave and beautiful and we salute her.

Gina says ‘I am still on Cloud 9.  The most magical night of my life.  I promised not to cry but I sobbed and Jane Kenyon know for sure you saved me and I really do owe all that I am to you and for that I thank you.’

A big shout out to all out sponsors Coop, Accenture, Pladis, Enterprise Rent A Car, The Card Factory, N Brown, OneManchester, Stanmore Insurance, Kids Allowed and Key 103 and to all of those who donated prizes and pledged support on the night.
Talk to us about becoming a sponsor for our next Shining stars ball
Click here to see the event's gallery

The feedback has been overwhelming!

Simply the best black tie doo I have ever been to. I laughed, I cried, I danced till I dropped and the food was sublime. When can we do it again?
Ellie Doohan
Ellie Doohan
The Ball was incredibly well organised and great fun. Myself and my guests left feeling inspired and wanting to make a difference. We also had a great time as the entertainment was ace. Thanks Jane and Girls Out Loud for all that you do and a top night.
Nicola HuxleySphere Financial
Nicola Huxley
What an incredible night. The excitement and air of positivity on entering the Shining Stars Ball was palpable. A rare black tie event with inspiration, passion and fun about real people, with real lives making a real difference. The impact of the work of Girls Out Loud, their legacy and their resilience is heart-warming. All my guests spanning all generations cried, laughed, cheered and danced the night away. We have already booked our table for next year. Simply one of the best nights out on the circuit today. A testimony to what people can do when they care. Girls Out Loud you rock!
Nina LockwoodIntuitive Recruitment
Nina Lockwood
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With your help, together we can make a difference to the futures of many girls and young women around the UK.

  • £10 pays for a girl to receive her Role Model T-shirt at Big Sister graduation
  • £26 pays for a girl to attend one of our 2 hour Super 7 workshops
  • £28 pays for a girl to attend our 2 hour Role Model Relay event
  • £83 pays to support a teenage girl on our Big Sister programme for a month
  • £150 pays for a girl to participate for a week on our Stardom programme
  • £450 pays for a Big Sister to be trained
  • £1,000 will make it possible for a girl to have a Big Sister for 12 months
  • £1,800 will pay for a vulnerable girl to participate in our 12 week Stardom programme

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BE BOLD, BE BRAVE, BE BEAUTIFUL, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY BE YOU. BECAUSE YOU, ARE ALREADY ENOUGH AND ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

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