More than 300 guests attended the ‘Bright Futures’ Ball, which marked the 19th consecutive year the event has been staged at the venue. Over that time, the event has raised more than £1.2 million to support initiatives aimed at helping children who have suffered abuse.
Like many areas across the UK, Coventry faces significant challenges relating to child abuse. The Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Charity has stepped in to help address this issue locally following the departure of the NSPCC from the city.
The charity is supported by a committee of local businesses and corporate organisations committed to raising funds that help provide professional services and specialist support for vulnerable children. Since its formation in 1993, local companies have raised more than £3 million to support this vital work.
During the evening, Cllr Pat Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, addressed guests to thank the charity and its supporters. She also spoke movingly about the scale of child abuse cases affecting families across the city.
Held earlier this month, the event raised a record sum despite the challenging economic climate and the recent cyber-attack affecting Jaguar Land Rover, which has impacted many businesses across the region.
An impressive £23,000 of the total was personally pledged on the night by just 64 guests.
A special tribute was also paid to Hamilton Bland, who announced his retirement as lead organiser after 19 years at the helm of the event and more than 25 years supporting the charity.
A highlight of Coventry’s annual social calendar, the Ball was sponsored this year by Evtec Group, Manufacturing Technology Centre and WHS Plastics.
Guests were entertained by well-known local magician William Pollett and Pippa Langthorne, who opened the evening with a powerful rendition of the ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ James Bond theme. The performance accompanied a prize draw in which three lucky guests won diamond jewellery worth more than £5,000.
Hosting the evening was former local radio personality turned professional toastmaster Brody Swain.
Chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Charity, David Roberts, said:
"The evening was a remarkable demonstration of what the Coventry and Warwickshire business community can achieve when it comes together for a cause that truly matters. Over £83,000 raised in a single evening — that is the power of a community that refuses to look away. To achieve that despite the pressures so many businesses are currently facing is extraordinary, and every penny will make a real difference to vulnerable children across our city. The children we support have often been let down by the systems that should protect them, and it is the generosity of local businesses and individuals that fills that gap. I also want to pay special tribute to Hamilton Bland, whose dedication and vision over 25 years has been the backbone of this charity's success."
