Chloe’s and Sophie’s Special Ears Fund held their Annual Black Tie Ball on 19th November 2022 at Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook.  170 people joined together to raise over £9,000 to brighten the lives of Deaf children.  Guests enjoyed a Hollywood themed evening with a 3 course meal and live entertainment throughout the night, alongside a Silent and Live Auction.  The evening had the wonderful Fletcherettes Signing Choir performing songs such as Fight Song in Sign Language with choir members joining via Zoom and in person.  Fletch@ Deaf popstar taught all of the audience how to sign the chorus to Bruno Mars song ‘Just the Way You Are’.  

Local Deaf Unit schools were invited to the ball and surprised with a donation of £1000 each to support the emotional wellbeing of Deaf children in their school. Becky Lox from The Elizabeth Foundation in Portsmouth, Hampshire said: 
“Karen Jackson, CEO of fellow deaf children’s charity Chloe’s and Sophie’s Special Ears Fund, surprised our Fundraising Coordinator, Becky, with a cheque for The Elizabeth Foundation in the incredible sum of £1,000 at their annual charity ball this weekend. Thank you to all at CSSEF, what a wonderful surprise! We look forward to updating you on the impact of your generous giving soon.”

The highlight of the evening was having two of the children that CSSEF support take over the stage to give impactful speeches.  Tianna Maull aged 10 was asked by Karen Jackson, CEO of CSSEF and host of the evening if everyone in the room should learn BSL.  Tianna told all of the guests  “My life would be easier if you all learnt BSL!”.  Since making this bold statement, the charity has opened up the opportunity for guests of the ball, parents of Deaf children, Deaf children and their siblings, and supporters of CSSEF to join a 10 week Introductory to BSL course available on Zoom with Fletch@.

The evening finished off with guests enjoying a Live Band to celebrate a wonderful evening.  Chloe’s and Sophie’s Special Ears Fund are looking to host a Charity Ball in North Wales in 2023 – more details to be revealed soon.