Last Thursday, over 250 women (mostly!), filled the main ballroom in the Four Seasons Hotel, Ballsbridge for Laughternoon 2009 - Down Syndrome Centre's annual Christmas lunch.

Taking place so close to Christmas week, it's always a great way to kick off celebrations and this was certainly the case on the 17th. As always, the glamour was huge and what we aim to create is a nice space for people to meet up together, to enjoy the luxury surroundings, good food and wine and to have some fun.

The event opened with a performance by twenty boy choristers from the Palestrina Choir followed by a short comedy table quiz led by Barry Murphy from Aprés Match. Raffles included a hotel break in the New Year for one person at each table in the room and a Champagne Sparkle raffle which in return for buying a glass of champagne, delivered purchasers a one in five chance to win 25 pieces of handcrafted jewellery donated by members of the Crafts Council of Ireland. Comedian Joe Rooney entertained after lunch and guests then proceeded to the Ice Bar where light jazz was supplied by Midnight sounds.

Thank you to all our guests for supporting the event. To our wine sponsors, Dunnes Stores, Gilbeys and Cassidy Wines. To our print sponsor, McGowans Print and our event sponsor, Clarins. 

Hope you can join us 17th December 2010 and in the meantime, pics from the event are available to view on http://www.flickr.com/photos/27585738@N02/.

Happy Christmas!