This year’s Rainbow Ball raised £34,000 for Rebecca House children’s hospice.

More than 200 guests attended, including Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Chief Minister Howard Quayle and the President of Tynwald, Steve Rodan.

The gala black-tie event, sponsored by SMP Partners, was staged at the Royal Hall Villa Marina in Douglas just a day before Rebecca House celebrated its 10-year anniversary.

Anne Mills, the chief executive officer of Rebecca House, told guests that the special event marked the culmination of 10 months’ fundraising to mark the charity’s 10th birthday.

’It is our duty to reach out as a hospice to ensure that the people of the Isle of Man have an opportunity every single day to support our most vulnerable,’ she said.

’The children of Rebecca House, and their families, humble us every day by their resilience, bravery, tears and most of all, laughter in the face of their adversity.’

One such example is Grace Lee, a patient at Rebecca House, who provided a very special welcome to the guests, singing ’Beauty and the Beast’ from its namesake film and ’Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ from the Lion King.

Her performance was followed by Hospice’s new young ambassador, 16-year-old Alexandra Slater, who wowed the crowds with performances of ’Bring Me To Life’, ’Skyfall’ and ’Nella Fantasia’ that were talented beyond her years.

The ball was also attended by internationally acclaimed artist Svetlana Cameron, who donated a pastel portrait commission to the prize draw and charity auction.

Svetlana also displayed some of her pieces of work in an exhibition in the Colonnade Suite.

Mark Denton, managing director of the event’s lead sponsor SMP Partners, said: ’Next year, Svetlana will be working with clients in London, Moscow, Rome and India, so we were delighted that such a sought-after artist has found the time to donate a commission to raise funds for such a worthy charity.’

Compered by Geoff Corkish MLC, other auction lots included two acrylic paintings by leading contemporary artist Iain Alexander, an original red telephone box and a meal for eight people prepared and served up by Hospice’s catering team.