The Annual BEN Ball signifies the start of the holiday season for many in the automotive industry, and this year's event certainly didn't disappoint. On a chilly Wednesday evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane, over 700 guests enjoyed a sumptuous four course meal and a variety of entertainment including performances by the Rochester Cathedral Choir and the Bands of the Life Guards, before dancing the night away.

The evening incredibly raised almost £160,000 for the automotive industry charity, an extremely positive and encouraging result in the current economic climate.

Kelly Neal, BEN's Head of Events commented: "It was wonderful to see our many friends from the industry, old and new, coming together to enjoy the occasion and celebrate BEN. So many companies contribute to the evening's success through donations of time, prizes and lots for auction that it has become an event staged by the industry, for the industry. I would particularly like to thank all of our sponsors as without them we simply couldn't have raised so much. Next year will be the BEN Ball's 75th Anniversary and we are already working hard to ensure we bring you something even more spectacular that will pay suitable homage to such a significant milestone."

BEN's Director of Fundraising and Communications, Charles Davis, believes that the charity was extremely fortunate to be able to proceed with the 2008 Ball as planned, as many similar charity and industry events have been cancelled or postponed due to lack of support. "Since its inception in 1927 the only time the Ball has not taken place was during World War II," he commented. "If we had been forced to cancel, an industry that is proud to fly the flag of solidarity in supporting its people through BEN would have been defeated, and we are simply not an industry that would let this happen."

Mr Davis continued, "Traditionally the annual Ball is BEN's largest fundraiser, generating a sum in the region of £270,000. We predicted a slight reduction this year, which will of course have a significant impact on our year-end position. However, we are already doing and will continue to do everything in our power to ensure we can maintain the level of help we offer."

"I thank all those who continue to support us so ardently," Mr Davis concludes, "but I must also make a plea for them to continue doing so and that they ask all those that currently are not involved with BEN to get involved."

BEN has already seen a significant rise in the number of people turning to them for help in 2008, and anticipates that this number will grow in the coming months.