70 excited guests gathered for the official launch party of Ely Hero Awards 2022, Season 5 at The Poets House Hotel on the evening of Monday 13th June.
The launch was attended by Mrs Sue Freestone, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and the new Mayor of Ely, Mr Richard Rogers. Business Sponsors, Judges and previous winners were invited to join in the celebrations to mark the launch of this year’s community event.
Guests were thrilled to be back together, there was a palpable buzz in the room which created a very happy and vibrant evening. Goodie bags were distributed and supplied by Re-Imagine Resource Centre, sealed with a quote that said “ Happiness Blooms where Seeds of Love and Joy are Planted”, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the event.
The initiative was set up 6 years ago and all individuals who live and work in Ely and the surrounding villages are encouraged to nominate a local Hero – a person who goes above and beyond for others in a variety of settings.
With 10 categories in which to nominate, the Awards are designed to shine a light on Heroes of the community and reward them for the amazing things they do. You can nominate your Hero on the website until 31st July 2022.
The judging panel will shortlist nominees and invite 3 finalists in each category to a glitzy award ceremony held in September at The Maltings in Ely, where the category winners will be crowned. New for this year, the event will be black tie, giving an opportunity for guests to have a very special celebratory evening, fit for a Hero!
Organisers of the event said, “We are beyond excited to be able to bring this event back to the community following a challenging few years, local businesses have once again pledged their unwavering support and without that support, the event would not be possible.
“Ely Hero Awards has woven itself beautifully into the fabric of the community, it has become a highlight of the calendar and to be able to continue with the event is very valuable. The team sincerely thank everyone that is involved in making the event possible.”
Each year the Ely Hero Awards choose a small local charity in which to support, and this year’s charity is Cambridge Expressive Arts and Counselling Centre (CEAACC). Eleanor Port-Burke presented to the guests giving an overview of the service and its achievements. A service user shared her personal experience of using the service and the incredible effects on her family – she brought the house to tears describing CEACC as a “lifeline”.
Remember to nominate your Hero for them to be in with a chance of being rewarded for their good works!
