Retail Trust London Ball Defies Tough Economy To Raise £1,000,000
The sum raised at the Grosvenor House Ball came from personal pledges and corporate contributions from some of the best known retail businesses and business leaders in the UK, plus the results of a silent auction covering 50 lots, many of them money can’t buy items.
The contribution charge was led by BHS and Arcadia chief Sir Phillip Green with a commitment of over £100,000, and supported by significant contributions from Tesco (£50,000) and River Island (£25,000). With £340,000 raised before the event, the night itself raised an impressive £660,000.
The silent auction was one of the highlight elements of the evening, raising more than £100,000, and was fiercely competitive to secure the prizes. Highlights included:
• More than £9,000 for a World Cup hospitality package
• £5,500 for a four-day trip to Japan
• £4,000 for a culinary team challenge
Clearly delighted with the contribution from the industry, Retail Trust CEO, Nigel J L Rothband explains “No one can be unaware of how the retail sector has suffered this year, with whole brands disappearing in a sea of change. The work Retail Trust carries out as the only charity to look after all those working in retail relies on fundraising such as this to help those in need: those who have suffered redundancy, have become the victims of in-store crime, or whose families have been the victim of tragedies, amongst many other needs.”
“Tonight has been an amazing endorsement of the work we carry out at the Retail Trust, and of the industry itself in recognising the need to look after those going through tough times - those who have given time, effort and dedication through their working day and beyond to the retail sector, and who deserve support from us when they most need it.”
Retail leaders in attendance amongst the 1200 strong audience who gave their support to Retail Trust on the night included Sir Philip Green, Sir Stuart Rose, Harold Tillman, Theo Paphitis and Rob Templeman.
