On Wednesday 26^th September 2018, Maxwell Hodge Solicitors held their final fundraising event to raise further funds for their Charity of the Year, Ronald McDonald House, Alder Hey, Liverpool, an independent charity affectionately known as “Mac House”. The event, “Simply Women Together”, was held in the impressive Atrium at the The Suites Hotel in Knowsley.

The cost of accommodating a family for one night at Mac House is approximately £25, and the annual running costs of the House amount to £600,000. Maxwell Hodge set their fundraising target for the year at £3,500.

Having held events throughout 2017/2018 to raise funds for Mac House, Maxwell Hodge decided that, as 2018 was a special year, marking 100 years since some women were given the right to vote, they wanted to mark this, deciding to host a ladies’ only charity event.

Following a welcome drink, Claire Banks, Company Director at Maxwell Hodge gave her opening speech, which was followed by Gillian Wilson, Fundraising Manager at Mac House who talked about the work Mac House do, the costs of running the charity and how the money raised by Maxwell Hodge from the evening’s event and previous events, will assist in the running of the charity.

The room was tastefully decorated and guests were invited to browse at the many stalls positioned around the room. Guests were able to purchase clothes from Jessie & Co, beautiful cakes from Critchley’s Cupcakes and handcrafted jewellery from Gemini Gems. Nicola Holland, a Body Shop At Home Consultant also had a large display of products for sale. Michala Leyland of “Wood for the Trees” very kindly had a stall, along with the Suites Hotel who offered a range of Decleor beauty and spa products for sale. Maxwell Hodge also had a stall displaying a range of promotional items.

Guests were then entertained by two of Maxwell Hodge’s employees, Chloe French and Darren White, who gave some wonderful renditions of songs from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Adele and Ella Henderson, whilst drinks and canapés were served.

Following this, Louise Gillespie of Jessie & Co presented a fashion show showing casing a range of beautiful clothes from her autumn and winter collection.

Towards the end of the evening, an Auction and Raffle were held. Maxwell Hodge had received some amazing prizes which had been kindly donated by various businesses throughout Knowsley and Liverpool.

It was a wonderful event, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Maxwell Hodge raised in excess of £1,600 from this. Gillian Wilson, Fundraising Manager at Mac House reported “We really cannot thank Maxwell Hodge enough for all the fundraising they have done during this year. They have smashed their target, raising over £4,800 for us, which will make a huge difference to families staying in Mac House. This figure equates to 192 families having a room for the night – how brilliant is that. To end the partnership with such a beautiful event was the icing on the cake. Thank you so much Maxwell Hodge”

Maxwell Hodge would like to thank everyone who attended and helped out at the event, all their stallholders who kindly gave up their time to attend and help make the evening a huge success. They would also like to thank Kingfisher Design & Print, who not only donated a prize for their raffle, but very kindly printed all invitations, posters and banner free of charge.

Claire Banks, Company Director at Maxwell Hodge, reported “We have been so pleased to be part of fundraising for Mac House this year. We wish the charity continued success in the future.”

The company, which has 8 branches across Merseyside and Wirral offer a wide variety of legal services to clients.