The Past

The Charity Dreamgirls are in their fifth year, and have a lot of exciting results to look back on and celebrate, we want to share these memories with you and hope you enjoy reading back on the results we have achieved since 2007.

2007

In 2007 the Charity Dreamgirls were conceptualised by Founder & Chairwoman Kate Hardcastle, a driven individual with personal reasons to make a difference within her community, Kate decided to celebrate the charities which had supported her family through difficult times.

Hard work and graft to organise a ‘Blues Brothers’ style concert lacked results – with no press interest and the public seemingly disinterested – Kate took it into her own hands to create a ‘stand out’ concert that would spread the word of her selected Charity Partners.

After writing to 700 household names, Kate convinced Martha Reeves to fly exclusively to Halifax from Detroit – it was then that Kate knew she had discovered a creative solution to the challenges faced by smaller, lesser known charities in the North.

The first Soul and Motown Revue took place at Halifax Victoria Theatre and united 3 best friends – Kate Hardcastle, Hannah Cygan-Wrobleski and Lisa Roberts to perform alongside Martha. Supporting Breast Cancer Care, Next Step Trust and the Halifax Stroke Club – the theatre was at maximum capacity and the event raised a phenomenal £6000.

It then emerged that individuals who attended the concert jumped at the chance to volunteer – the Charity Dreamgirls grew in strength and numbers overnight. This was an organisation that would last.

2008

On a high from the initial successes of the Charity Dreamgirls the organisation experienced an influx of local volunteers wanting to make a difference within their community. Built by the community, for the community, it wasn’t long before an official committee was established to head up the Dreamgirls.

It was obvious from the start that the Dreamgirls would create similar success to 2007, and the Dreamgirls & Friends selected the RSPCA, The Samaritans and Endometriosis UK as their Charity Partners for the year.

Kate H, a sufferer of Endometriosis and also public speaker for the charity, held a Butterfly Benefit Ball to raise awareness for this illness and remove the stereotypical ‘taboo’ which surrounded it. The ball, hosted at The Rock in Holywell Green, was supported by Geri Halliwell and the film company Paramount. Presented by Scott Wright and with entertainment by the Dreamgirls and their Soul & Motown Allstars, it was said to be the first big fundraiser for the charity ever in Halifax.

The now annual concert, saw the Dreamgirls convince 2 spectacular stars to take to the stage all in the name of charity. Alexander O’Neal made his first visit to Halifax and performed his greatest hits at the Victoria Theatre, whilst Jaki Graham energetically took to the stage to steal the show.

It was that year that the team were delighted to announce Jaki Graham as the patron of the Charity Dreamgirls, alongside local entrepreneur and media personality Terry George.

2009

2009 saw the Charity Dreamgirls appeal to a new generation of volunteers with an X-Factor style competition rolled out across Calderdale in search for the Dreamstars – the young counterparts of the Dreamgirls. Judged by nationally respected musician Wayne Pollock, media personality, successful businessman and patron Terry George and salon owner Mark Riley, a group of talented young girls were rewarded by meeting Alexandra Burke.

Another first for the Charity Dreamgirls saw them be invited to perform live on the Orient Stage with Peter Jones from the X-Factor at the Trafford Centre. This was a significant turning point in raising awareness to large audiences for their charity partners; Alzheimers Society, Help for Heroes and Home Start. In just one hour alone the Charity Dreamgirls were able to spread the word for their charity partners to 10,000 shoppers.

The Soul & Motown Revue saw a phenomenal performance by legend Candi Staton, who backed by the Charity Dreamgirls, performed her hits including ‘Young Hearts Run Free’. The Dreamstars took to the stage to flaunt their talent too.

2010

2010 saw the Dreamgirls tackle new events, working with businesses and individuals who wanted to use their talents to help with the cause. Supporting the Retail Trust and Leonard Cheshire Disability this varied and colourful year saw the Charity Dreamgirls communicate the message of these charity partners to over 36 million individuals – a record breaking result recognised by the Fresh PR Awards and the Marketing Society Northern Awards.

The two new events reached new audiences, the events included a Posh Jumble Sale held in Brighouse encouraging members of the public to donate their unwanted gladrags for a good cause. Mark Riley’s hair salon hosted a Hair Cutting Extravaganza – offering haircuts for 1p with all other money raised to go directly to the Dreamgirls’ Charity Partners.

An amazing celebration at the Victoria Theatre, this year saw soul legend Andrew Roachford take to the stage alongside X-Factor sensation Maria Lawson, who took a one stop trip to Halifax during a break from her involvement with the Queen  production ‘We Will Rock You’.