THE INAUGURAL SJL Foundation black tie ball raised more than £37,000 for charitable causes on a night of fizz, food and fun and games.
Nearly 200 guests packed into the Bank House Hotel Spa and Golf in Worcester on Saturday (November 9) which raised a staggering £37,229.43 for their chosen cause.
The event was such a roaring success that the charity has already pencilled in next year’s event which will be held on Friday, October 2 at the same venue.
Guests were treated to a host of activities including a charity auction with prizes such as a round of golf with some of the Worcestershire Rapids cricketers, hire of a classic Morgan motor car, luxury holidays and signed sporting memorabilia.
SJL Insurance is covering the complete running costs of the SJL Foundation, including salaries and the cost of laying on all events such as the ball.
This means 10 per cent of all money raised goes directly to SJL’s staff’s own charitable endeavours, 45 per cent goes to Acorns Children’s Hospices and 45 per cent to start-up businesses across the UK.
Simon Lancaster, founder and trustee, SJL Foundation said: “I would like to thank everybody who supported and attended the event to help us to support both Acorn’s Children’s Hospices and start-up businesses.
“I am grateful to the SJL staff, our sponsors, corporate partners and all who donated prizes and contributed in so many different ways. It is extremely humbling to see so many people pull together and we couldn’t do it without them,” he added.
Toby Porter, chief executive of Acorns said: “As a charity which relies on the generosity of others to survive, we’re thrilled to have an organisation like SJL Foundation champion our cause.”
