Organising the ball

I have got to be honest, I did this because a friend suggested it, and it seemed a unique way to get some money, and also have some fun at the same time, but organising a ball is really hard work. I am not a natural at promotion or selling or PR, and so I was doing my best to get together prizes for a raffle and ask for donations, but it was/is HARD WORK!! Initially things went well, I sold nearly all the tickets, a huge relief, I did spend a few days wondering if I was going to lose money rather than make it!! I now have less than a handful left, of course, I still have to get the money for them. I kept the prices low to make money on the night - this was at the advice of the chairman of OA's rugby club who are hosting it for me. I have to say they have been a huge help, lots of advice and contacts.

I have had some wonderful offers for prizes from some of the lovely twitter folk!

A beautiful red fire engine from @Cuthberts_Toys, St Albans (www.cuthbertstoys.com)

A lovely Jo Malone candle from a lovely lady known to me as @gillyjamjar. She is giving up posh coffees and wanted to put the money to good use.

A chocolate making workshop from the Melting Pot, in Hitchin @makechoccies.

Some vouchers from @splashman, otherwise known as Paul.

A massage voucher from @lucindamassage (www.lucindacracknell.co.uk)

A £25 voucher for @allabouttheboys, designer clothing for children. (www.allabouttheboys.co.uk)

A voucher for £350 worth of family photography from @emilyquinton (www.emilyquinton.co.uk)

A home networking kit from @solwise to help with all your wifi issues.

A free letting service for one year from @RuthPH.(www.purplehatproperty.co.uk)

A cretan villa for one week from @annieqpr. (www.rentavillaincrete.com)

Some chocolates from @goneFairtrade (Cadbury's)

A little valentine cupcake for all the guests from @heavensacupcake (www.heavenisacupcake.co.uk)

An organic pork pie from @samphireshop (www.samphireshop.co.uk)

A case of wine from @CraigLeGrice (www.craiglegrice.com)

Some Sylvanian Families goodies from @mandyvictory

A singing/acting children's party from @DebotutsNWHerts (www.debutots.co.uk)

and a couple of other leads from @mattbigg (www.thecollectivedesign.co.uk)

not forgetting to say thank you to @mediocre_mum and also @pminthepub for helping me with their Klout!

Offline, I have also got a case of wine from www.cellardoorwines.co.uk

3 sets of day passes for two at Sopwell House

A Handbag from the Dressing Room

A meal for two with a bottle of wine in the Cock (St Albans)

A meal for two at the Rose and Crown (St Albans)

A meal for two in the White Lion (St Albans)

A party from www.HappyFrogParties.co.uk

£100 to do whatever I like with from Nick Banks a local investment bank consultant (will be used for either wine or chocolates )

A family ticket (for 10 people) from Saracens for a match at Wembley on 31st March Against Harlequins)

A jewellery making workshop from Rachel Jeffrey (www.racheljeffrey.co.uk)

A five course meal for 2 at Manoir aux Quat Saisons (Raymond Blanc's restaurant in Oxfordshire)

The promise of some flowers from Fuchsia Pink, in Wheathampstead.

A week at a mutually convenient time for the winner and the vendor of a caravan in South Wales (www.st-davids-caravan.co.uk)

A trip out in the solent or round some of the Isle of Wight for a day in a Yacht (four people can go! - adults)

Not forgetting the loan of a roulette table for a raffle type game (as I don't have a gambling licence), from GCasino's in Luton (www.grosvenorcasinos.com)

So, once again friends, and friends of friends have been wonderful, and also the virtual friends on twitter. Thank you to you all xx. I am now very excited, looking forwards to it, and thinking that 2012, is so much better than 2011 was!