The glitz and the glam will not just be reserved for the Curragh Racecourse this summer as the annual Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball returns to The K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare on Friday, June 30th.  The glamourous, black tie ball in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is one of the key social events of the summer and will be attended by a mix of racing fans, business people, media personalities and international guests, many of which will fly in from Dubai.

Dubai Duty Free will celebrate its 10th year as the title sponsors of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this year while it is also the 20th anniversary of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, and the fourth year in which they will receive the proceeds from the event.

Among the attendees at this year’s ball will be RTÉ racing expert Tracy Piggott, who is MC for the night, while award-winning event band House Party will provide the entertainment. Last year the event raised an amazing €50,000 for the charity, amounting to over 3,125 hours of home nursing care for severely sick children throughout Ireland. Dubai Duty Free has now raised €250,000 in the past three years through the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball at The K Club, ensuring that the charity can give support to children and families through their funding.

Speaking in advance of the ball, Jack & Jill CEO, Hugo Jellett said, “It is a great honour that Dubai Duty Free have chosen to make us their nominated charity once again this year, and with the money provided we will be able to continue to help support and care for children and families all over Ireland.” he said.

The charity was established by Jonathan Irwin and his wife, Mary Ann O’Brien in 1997 following the death of their own son, Jack and it is through the charity that his memory lives on, ensuring that the homecare service which was not available to the Irwin’s would be accessible to all families coping with the great sadness of a sick child.

Dubai Duty Free, the title sponsor of the Irish Derby festival, has always maintained an attentive social conscience, lending a helping hand to charities worldwide.

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free Colm McLoughlin said, “I am delighted that we can support the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. They do very important work for so many fragile babies throughout Ireland and it’s wonderful to think we can really make a difference and assist them in their endeavours”.

The night is expected to be a glamorous affair where elegance and sophistication combine with charity to ensure a night to remember. Tickets are priced at €145 and can be purchased from O’Brien PR or the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

To buy your ticket for the ball call Edelle Monahan at Jack & Jill on (045) 894538, email edelle@jackandjill.ie or contact Aileen O’Brien, O’Brien PR aileen@obrienpr.com (045) 407017. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby will take place the following day, on Saturday 1st of July at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare.   The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival runs from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd of July.