A spectacular success was how one parent described FTL’s fundraising event last Saturday-12^th November 2011.

We began the afternoon just milling around chatting to friends and families. Many of our members brought along their children who joined in with helping to set up the tables, arrange the food and sell the raffle tickets. We had babies, toddlers, parents and grandparents. You could say a truly family affair.

This was the second year that we had all got together to enjoy a mouth watering culinary experience prepared by Russ (Chef) and Luisa. Last year we dined out on a Moroccan meal and also enjoyed live jazz. This year we feasted on an Italian meal while Italian music wafted softly in the background.

The drawing of raffle tickets made everyone excited, as we had some top class prizes like a meal for two at Le Pont de la Tour restaurant, a haircut at Charles Worthington salon plus hair products, bottles of champagne, brandy, cake baked by Gill, and other prizes.

To close the afternoon, Hatta and her son Matthew made a short speech encouraging members to spread the word that we are there to support parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender children and through our support also help parents to understand and accept their LGB&T children. Matthew encouraged the young people to tell their friends about our work at FTL, and he said that he had a lot of praise for his mother and the other parents for reaching out to support LGB&T youth and their families.

We would like to thank all the people who helped make this event a success, including all the participants, plus those who made generous contributions of raffle prizes and donations. We were able to raise £1100.

I would like to conclude with special thanks to Russ and Luisa.

Joanne Manson-FTL member.