Cafe offers real hope to Keighley school’s minibus bid (From Keighley News)

Cafe offers real hope to Keighley school’s minibus bid

9:39pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in News

A fun day held at a Keighley cafe in aid of the Phoenix School minibus appeal was a massive success.

The event at Cafe Hope in Central Hall on Saturday raised nearly £400.

“It was just an awesome day,” said cafe manager Tracey Thomas.

“We had so many people there and from all sections of the community.

“We’d expected about 100 visitors but got such numbers we had to send out for back-up! We did snacks for 320 children alone – it was incredible.

“All the money raised was through donations – it was a free event – which makes the amount even more brilliant.

“Everyone was saying this was just what Keighley needed, and we will certainly look at organising another.”

Attractions included children’s character Peppa Pig, face-painting, a bouncy castle and games. Keighley Furniture Project loaned soft play mats for the day.

There were also crafts and the Friends of Phoenix School ran stalls.

Entertainment on stage in the hall was provided by singers/guitarists Jularah, Ben Blue Waters and Mick Whitehead.

Tracey paid tribute to everyone who supported the event – the public, those who provided activities and volunteer helpers.

She said fundraising for the minibus appeal would continue at the cafe until July. An Easter egg raffle is running, and there is a ‘safe cracker’ venture where people pay £1 for three attempts at guessing a combination, with half the money going into the prize pot and the remainder to the appeal.

Another charity will be selected to benefit from fundraising at the cafe in the second half of the year. Anyone interested in nominating a worthy cause should contact Tracey on (01535) 612536.