Grosvenor gala raises £90,000 for Centre

Last Wednesday Grosvenor Britain & Ireland (Grosvenor) held a gala dinner raising £90,000 for charity partner, the Cardinal Hume Centre. Four hundred people attended the dinner and talent show at The Lancaster London, Hyde Park. The evening saw staff from Grosvenor and its contractors and partners take to the stage, competing to be crowned top performer. Adrian Chiles hosted the evening which featured eight acts including a 22 person choir performing Skyfall, a Sound of Music/Sister Act Medley, and the Grosvenor Greasers' preforming You're the one that I want. The winner was Dangerous Dave'  " a comic juggling unicyclist.

Chiles commented, When I visited the Cardinal Hume Centre a month ago I was struck by the warmth of the place. You can't help but be impressed by the incredible work they do, really helping some of the most disadvantaged people right here in London. And we know all the money raised tonight will help even more people who need the Centre's support.

The tone of the evening was set from the beginning when Grosvenor's charitable trust, The Westminster Foundation, generously pledged  £30,000 to the Centre. During the night there were also two auctions with prizes ranging from a private tour of the House of Lords to a weekend in Paris. A last minute donation of a pair of private box tickets to see Adele's sell out concert at the O2 led to much excitement. The auction was overseen by Richard Fattorini of Sotheby's who kindly donated his time. The gala was the culmination of a two year partnership. Grosvenor staff selected the Cardinal Hume Centre as their local charity partner in April 2014, recognising the Centre's work supporting homeless young people and disadvantaged families living in one of the main areas where Grosvenor operates. Craig McWilliam, Executive Director of London Estate at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland said: It has been Grosvenor's great pleasure to work alongside the Cardinal Hume Centre over the last two years. The Centre's work with some of the most vulnerable members of society is vital. On top of this, over 100 Grosvenor staff have now done volunteer work at the Centre in addition to a range of fundraising events including dragon boat races and raffles. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship and the gala dinner was a fitting way to celebrate this and raise such a fantastic amount to support the Centre's work.

Guests at the event came from many businesses Grosvenor works with, and many of the companies generously donated prizes. Following the event Cathy Corcoran, CEO of the Cardinal Hume Centre, gave thanks for the partnership with Grosvenor: The relationship with Grosvenor over the last two years, including staff volunteering and raising an incredible  £170,000, is a real support to us. For a small charity like the Centre it is so significant and this money really does allow us to help more people facing poverty.

Aidan is a young person living at the Cardinal Hume Centre. He spoke passionately at the event, expressing his gratitude to the Centre and everyone who supports it to keep going. Being at The Cardinal Hume Centre has helped me in so many ways. I've actually done more in the 4 months that I've been here than the previous 21 years of my life. I want to thank everyone at the Cardinal Hume Centre for everything they've done for me. I really wouldn't be where I am or achieved the things that I have without them. I also want to thank all of you for supporting the Centre so that they can help more people like me in the future. Grosvenor is one of the Cardinal Hume Centre's Foot in the Door partners. The Foot in the Door programme celebrates the partnership between the Cardinal Hume Centre and businesses which support it through offering employment advice to clients, raising money, and by encouraging staff to volunteer at the Centre. For information on how your business can join Foot in the Door contact Patricia Marron, Corporate Fundraising Officer.