The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 9: Autumn 2018 | Page 43

POSITIVE BUSINESS BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION REC SLEEP OUT 2018 Bailbrook House to host Casino Royale fundraiser Businesses and individuals in Bath have been challenged to help tackle the problem of youth homelessness by spending a night out in the cold. Businesss against Poverty is holding a James Bond themed fundraising gala complete with casino on Saturday 10 November 2018. All monies raised on the night will go towards funding the work of its registered charity People against Poverty who help people living in desperate poverty around the world work towards a brighter future. The evening will take place at Bailbrook House, Batheaston and all guests will enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine, both included in the ticket price. Attendees can also try their hand in the casino featuring a roulette wheel, blackjack, plus a raffle and auction. Music to dance to by local DJ Break the Sounds entertainment will continue till the early hours when the event ends at 1am. Val Huxley, CEO of People against Poverty, said: “As this is usually a sell-out Bath Rugby Foundation, the charitable arm of Bath Rugby, will hold an overnight sleep out at the Rec to raise funds to tackle the issue. Money raised at the Rec Sleep Out, which takes place on Wednesday, November 7, will be boost the Foundation and Julian House, which supports homeless people here in Bath. Bath Rugby Foundation works with more than 2,000 children and young people annually and staff are increasingly aware that more and more of the participants on the charity’s programmes do not have the security of a permanent home and find themselves sofa-surfing or moving between different types of temporary accommodation. Sadly, some young people are also hungry when they arrive at the charity. Bath Rugby Foundation CEO Lynne Fernquest said: “The Rec Sleep Out is simple. We are calling on B&NES businesses and their staff to forgo the comfort of their beds for one night in favour of a sleeping bag on a cold, concrete floor. “Our objective is to raise awareness of the challenges that vulnerable young people in our community face, while raising much-needed funds for Bath Rugby Foundation and Julian House. “Bath Rugby Foundation is entering its 15th year and we want to mark this milestone with a significant event. We exist because of our fundraising efforts, whether money is raised from black-tie dinners, rugby-themed evenings, auctions, comedy nights, cycling, swimming, running or walking challenges or grants from trusts and foundations. “However, as we approach our 15th birthday on November 22, 2018 we want to raise awareness of the plight of an increasing number of our participants - who find themselves one small step away from living on our streets.” Youth homelessness charity Centrepoint highlights what young people need to keep them from homelessness: 1. Access to safe accommodation 2. Access to education and training 3. Receive help to get mentally and physically healthy 4. Be given support to move into independent living Bath Rugby Foundation concentrates its efforts in areas 2 and 3, but the charity says it cannot ignore an issue that is making the young people they work with even more vulnerable. Bath Rugby Foundation is asking businesses to enter teams of four and ask that teams raise a minimum of £1,000, either by fundraising within your business or by direct donation, to take part. Individuals will be asked to raise or pledge a minimum of £250. By taking part you will be raising awareness, raising funds and helping make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young people living in and around Bath. in their support of People against Poverty’s work for many years and have visited a project, seeing first-hand the work that is applied. Val added: “We are very grateful for the way in which Chord has embraced our work and the many ways in which they show their support. We are proud to have them as a platinum sponsor for the event and or course as one of our prestigious platinum members of Business against Poverty. Without the support of businesses like Chord we would not be able to do the work we do in changing communities living in desperate poverty to one of richness and self-sustainability through the programmes we provide.” “Guests will enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner with half a bottle of wine, both included in the ticket price ” event, we would recommend booking early.” Chord UK is the headline sponsor of the evening, taking the platinum package offered for the event. There are packages still available for businesses to get involved in. Frome-based Chord UK is a company of telemarketing specialists, integrating dialogue, insight and data services. They work with business and membership organisations to identify your best prospects, accelerate sales and learn more about your customers and members. Amanda and her team have been invaluable The evening will culminate with a mystery prize for the evening’s overall casino winner. Tickets cost £60 each or £600 for a table of ten. If you would like to attend and help raise funds visit: www. businessagainstpoverty.com/ events or call 01225 541269. To sign up please register at: https://ssl.cow-parsley.co.uk/brf/ Or for any questions contact: [email protected] THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018 43