Shinning Stars Don and Pascal return to Ireland for heartfelt tribute to beloved Mim

New York based Fashion Designer to the stars, Don O’Neill, along with his loving husband Pascal Guillermie, will return to Don’s culinary past for one night only for what promises to be an unforgettable fundraising event in memory of his beloved mother, Mim O’Neill taking place at Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

The renowned designer, who trained as a chef before embarking on a stellar fashion career, has joined forces with local cancer support charity Recovery Haven Kerry to host a spectacular dinner dance at Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday, July 20th. Close friend of the couple and Recovery Haven PR & Marketing officer, Marisa Reidy, said the excitement surrounding the sold-out event is already incredible, adding that the charity is indebted to Don and Pascal and the extended O’Neill family for their amazing support.

“When Don and Pascal agreed to come on board with us to organise a fundraiser we were absolutely over the moon, but when they came up with the idea of honouring Mim and making it so personal, we were truly humbled,” Marisa said. “That Don, Pascal and the O’Neill family thought so highly of Recovery Haven to make this amazing gesture is an absolute privilege for us and we cannot wait for what promises to be a truly unforgettable night.”

Don, originally from Ballyheigue and now living in New York as a fashion designer, lost his mother to cancer in 2012. He and Pascal will be joined by family, friends and loyal supporters to celebrate their beloved mum and mum-in-law Mim on the eve of her sixth anniversary, where Don will set a stunning four-course dinner menu of Mim’s favourite dishes.

A number of local businesses have also eagerly come on board to sponsor seven remarkable spot prizes, which include a half day ‘For Ladies Only’ spa package for two at Nadur Spa at Ballygarry House Hotel, including a two course lunch in the Brasserie and a table d’hôte dinner in Restaurant 58; An exquisite pamper package from Expose Beauty; A stunning gold Fuschia pendant from Brian de Staic Jewellers (Mim’s favourite flower); a €200 holiday voucher courtesy of Noreen Lane Travel Counsellors and a studio shoot from talented local photographer Ciara O’Donnell.   In addition, there will be two amazing hotel getaways up for grabs, including an overnight stay and full Irish breakfast for two at the five-star Dromoland Castle, and two- nights’ B&B for two people at Limerick’s four-star Absolute Hotel.

A fundraising event wouldn’t be so much fun unless you have great entertainment to keep all the attendees moving and grooving for the night, isn’t that right?!! Don and Pascal were so thrilled with their wedding entertainment package two years ago when they enlisted a six piece Bentley Boys Band for their destination wedding entertainment in Don’s home town of Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry.

The crème de la crème for Don and Pascal was the fun-loving Bentley Girl Debbie, the lead female vocalist, who not only is a super talented singer but is so much fun and joy to be around she warms hearts on every dance floor she performs on across the Emerald Isle. It was no surprise then that the duo contacted our Entertainment Co-ordinator Merli and put in a special request for Debbie to be there on the night of this extremely special and emotional occasion for the O’Neill family, extended friends and Kerry community at large. Merli was thrilled to facilitate this for Don and Pascal and so another six piece Bentley Boys Band along with a Bentley Boys DJ service was swiftly penciled in for what promises to be an amazing night of fun, love and high powered energy and entertainment for everyone!

There’s more!! While fashion will be off Don’s menu that evening, it should certainly be a top priority for the lady attendees, as the best dressed lady – chosen by Orla Diffily, one of Ireland’s leading fashion connoisseurs – will win a dream prize of a THEIA evening gown of her choice, kindly donated by Don.

Don is the Creative Director of THEIA Couture, a collection inspired by the ancient Greek Goddess, Theia, who possessed the incredible power of light which radiated from her sparkling eyes. Legend had it that all that she gazed upon glittered, becoming luminous and radiant. She imbued gold and silver with their shine and gave diamonds their fire and rubies and emeralds their sparkle. Imagine the way you would feel wearing a gown created by this inspiration. It truly is another kind and loving gesture by Don to one of the luck lady attendees at this special fundraising event.

 

 

Speaking about the event, Don says his family and Pascal are thrilled to honour his mother’s memory for such a deserving charity.

“Although my mom was not well enough to use Recovery Haven, as she had only three months from diagnosis to passing, the charity is a cause close to our hearts. My dad and my brother went there for counselling after my mom passed away and my cousin Jackie Crowe, to whom Pascal and I were very close, completely availed of their services and raved about them during her brave fight with cancer,” Don said.

“Cancer affects way, way too many families and we are all blindsided by it, not knowing where to turn, what to do or how to even begin to cope. Thankfully we have Recovery Haven in Kerry to offer support, advice, counselling and many therapeutic treatments to comfort cancer patients who are undergoing treatment or are in recovery, as well as providing support to their families.”

The event will kick off with a champagne and cocktail reception at 6.30pm. Upon arrival guests will have the opportunity to be photographed with Don and Pascal on the red carpet. Make sure to arrive early!

The Bentley Boys Band wish Don, Pascal, Marisa, Jonathan, Orla and everyone involved with this terrific fundraising event in Aid of Recover Haven Kerry the very best of luck with the final preparations. We promise you to assist in making this night one of the most magical ones that you, your family and dear friends have organised in order to honour and remember your dearly beloved Mim. It is such a honour and privilege for us to be part of this and we are really looking forward to sharing this evening with you all. Thank you very much x

Yours in love, laughter and top class entertainment too of course!
The Bentley Boys Team