Over £30,000 raised by Worcester-based SJL Foundation

THE SJL Foundation hosted its 3rd annual black-tie ball recently. It saw 225 guests raise vital funds and, for the first time ever, the Foundation announced that 100% of the proceeds raised will go to Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The night included a charity auction which included prizes including signed sporting memorabilia, which significantly increased the total raised on the night.

Former local radio presenter, Richard Hirst (Hirsty) hosted the event, which had live music from The Institutions.

SJL covered the cost of the evening (including the venue & food) meaning that 100% of the money raised (including the full price of ticket sales) also goes directly to Acorns.

The total amount raised on the evening was a staggering £30,366. Abigail Coulson, Partnerships Fundraising Manager for Acorns said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive the news that the annual SJL Foundation Ball has raised such a phenomenal amount for Acorns. We are so grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Simon and the SJL team and their commitment to supporting their local children’s hospice charity.’’

Simon Lancaster, founder and trustee of the SJL Foundation said:

“Friday’s ball was our set piece, annual fundraiser.

“I would like to thank everybody who supported and attended the event to help us raise this huge amount of money to support Acorn’s Children’s hospice, a phenomenal local hospice doing incredible work.

“I am grateful to the SJL staff, our sponsors, corporate partners and all who donated prizes and contributed in so many ways. It is extremely humbling to see so many people pull together and we couldn’t do it without them.

“Finally, the room looked spectacular, and an awesome event of this nature takes months of planning, hard work and skill – I would like to thank the organisers: My fellow trustees Kate Hanson, and my amazing wife Sarah Lancaster.’’

The SJL Foundation was set up by Worcester-born entrepreneur and philanthropist Simon Lancaster, who is the CEO and founder of the insurance company, SJL Insurance.

Simon Lancaster started the SJL Foundation to pay it forward, as he received a £500 business grant in 2001 from Worcester Council to set up SJL Insurance.