A stylishly spooky turn out for The Unicef Halloween Ball
A host of Unicef UK Ambassadors and high-profile supporters led last week’s stylishly spooky turn out for Unicef UK’s Halloween Ball. The evening raised a phenomenal £250,000 to support Unicef’s life-saving work for children in danger around the world.
We were honoured to play a part at the event, which saw stars like Keeley Hawes, Anne-Marie, and Laura Whitmore descending on One Marylebone, London for a Halloween experience like no other. The event featured an an interactive “haunted house’ drinks reception and an elegant baroque themed dinner, provided by event caterers Dish.
Entertainment included stellar performances from chart topper Anne-Marie, Unicef UK Ambassador Jessie Ware, and legendary musician Jools Holland.
Dinner guests heard from Unicef UK supporter Levison Wood who spoke about the vital work made possible by generous donations, having recently arrived back from Democratic Republic of Congo where he saw first-hand Unicef’s live-saving work.
Guests pledged their support at a money-can’t-buy auction – with lots including diamond earrings worn by Olivia Colman at the 2019 Golden Globes, a brown suede jacket worn by Roger Moore in Octopussy (1983) and a once in a lifetime velodrome cycling experience with Sir Chris Hoy.
Guest performer Jools Holland said: “It’s been such a privilege performing on behalf of Unicef UK tonight and I know the money raised this evening will help children around the world stay happy, healthy and safe. From the spooky costumes to the incredible auction lots the whole evening has been spectacular. A massive thank you to everyone involved.”
Douglas Alexander, chair of Unicef UK, said: “Since 2013, the Unicef UK Halloween Ball has raised nearly £5 million which helps protect children in danger around the world. Money raised from tonight’s event will help us continue vital work to ensure no child is forgotten – especially those at greatest risk and in the hardest to reach places. A huge thank you to everyone who bid at the auction, bought raffle tickets or donated during the pledge moment. We couldn’t support the world’s most vulnerable children without you.”
Our crew were delighted to be a part of the team of consummate professionals who came together to ensure the event’s success. The money raised at Unicef UK’s Halloween Ball will help Unicef, the world’s leading children’s organisation, support children in danger around the world. Since 2013, Unicef UK’s annual Halloween Ball has raised nearly £5 million to support Unicef’s work.
We were so glad to have been involved in such an important – and fun – evening.
To find out more, visit unicef.org.uk
Cancer Research 'Pulls Together' to Beat Cancer Faster
First Network were delighted to deliver the launch of Cancer Research's Fundraising Event 'The Great Row' last week.
As headline sponsors of the The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, Cancer Research UK have developed their own fundraising initiative 'The Great Row'. Teams from all over the UK will take part in sponsored rows throughout January, February and March, in a fundraising initiative which aims to raise vital funds for the charity’s life-saving research.
This year's Great Row campaign kicked off in style with a launch event at London’s prestigious Honourable Artillery Company - or HAC. More than 100 people turned out to support The Great Row challenge. The event brought together passionate fundraisers, including a number of celebrity teams, for a grueling rowing challenge. The mixed teams of six competed to row a full 26.2 mile marathon distance in the fastest time on indoor rowing machines.
First Network supplied a large format high resolution indoor LED wall, which displayed fundraising messages and tracked the teams’ progress throughout the race.
BBC Sports presenter, Dan Walker provided an animated commentary and Triple Olympic champion Andrew Triggs Hodge was there to lend his support. (Andrew was even spotted helping a flagging team at one stage!) Other members of the rowing glitterati present included gold medal winner Laurence Whiteley, CUBC President Lance Tredall and several of the Women’s Boat Race competitors from both Oxford and Cambridge.
The campaign closes with a grand finale at the Boat Race itself on Sunday the 2nd April.
If you’d like to get involved in a Great Row Fundraising Event and #pulltogether to beat cancer faster, check out the Great Row web page. Find out how to sign up to your own fundraising challenge and how your donation can make a difference.