The SJL Foundation raises thousands of pounds for Acorns children hospices in the Midlands and ethical start-up businesses.
Thursday 7 April 2022: The SJL Foundation, established in June 2019, raised £35,196.37 last Friday night on the 1st of April 2022 at its second black-tie Ball. 220 guests, some of whom drove hundreds of miles to the Bank House Hotel Spa and Golf Club resort, had a night of fizz, food and dancing. Five sponsorship deals for the Ball were signed with SJL Insurance Services, Skipton Building Society, Dolphin Tec, Lonmar Global Risks and Canopius Group. Prizes at the auction on the night included a gigantic chocolate Easter egg, Gary Linekar signed football shirt, two weeks in a villa in California, Tyson Fury Framed photo and a Banksy Life is Short print significantly increased the total raised on the night. Radio presenter, Richard ‘Hursty’ Hurst was compere and live music was by The Institutions and magic by Magician Patrick.
SJL Insurance Services covers the complete running costs of the SJL Foundation, including salaries and the cost of putting on events such as the Ball, including paying for all the food for all the guests. This means that 100% of the money given and raised goes to the SJL Foundation’s two charity partners – 50% goes to Acorns children’s hospices based in the West Midlands and 50% goes to ethical start-up businesses across the UK at the SJL Business Awards that are hosted annually in the Palace of Westminster.
Simon Lancaster, founder and trustee, the SJL Foundation said: “Everybody was looking forward to last Friday’s Ball, especially because everyone has been cooped up inside more than normal due to the pandemic. The SJL Foundation is a rare charity in that not one penny of the donations we receive go towards the running costs to keep the charity going, as SJL Insurance Services cover that, instead, 100% of people’s donations go directly to our two chosen charity partners Acorns Children Hospices and ethical start-up businesses.
“The fellow Trustees and I would like to thank our sponsors and each one of you who have bought a ball ticket, donated at the auction and raffle items, bid in the auction, bought a raffle ticket, donated money, and liked, shared or commented on our posts. It has all helped raise this awesome amount of money for charity.
“Yet again the Ballroom looked stunning, and an event of this standard takes a year to plan – so I would like to thank the organisers, Kate Hanson, Jodi Brandwood and my wife Sarah Lancaster.”
Toby Porter, Chief Executive, Acorns said: ““We are deeply grateful to our good friends at the SJL Foundation for raising this phenomenal amount for our Acorns Children Hospice care in the Three Counties. Last Friday’s ball was a wonderful event and a vivid showcase of immense generosity and compassion in action. As a charity, Acorns simply would not be able to continue our vital care to families across the region without the support of organisations like the SJL Foundation. This amount will directly benefit families across our local areas who rely on our charity’s love and support. Thank you.”
The SJL Foundation was set up by Worcester born entrepreneur Simon Lancaster, who went to Bishop Perowne High School and has always lived in Worcester. Simon is the son of David and the late Pat Lancaster who were also both born and bred in Worcestershire. Simon is the CEO and founder of global insurance brokerage, SJL Insurance Services. SJL Insurance Services employs over 80 people across their Worcester, London and Bristol offices.
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Press enquiries
SJL Foundation
Kerry Hopkins, communications director, the Broadcast Academy
[email protected] t: 07900 981 751 https://broadcastersacademy.com
https://www.sjlinsurance.com/the-sjl-foundation/
Acorns Children Hospice
David Chamberlain, PR and communications manager, Acorns Children’s Hospice
[email protected] DD: 01564 825020 M: 07817 612 422 https://www.acorns.org.uk/
Notes to editors
About the SJL Foundation
The SJL Foundation was established in June 2019 and is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission. Simon Lancaster is the founder of the SJL Foundation and one of the trustees. It has the Registered Charity number 1183875. The SJL Foundation has two charity partners and funds raised are split between the two: 50% goes to Acorn’s children’s hospices and 50% to ethical start-up businesses.
About Acorns Hospice
Acorns Children Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as support for their families. In the past year, Acorns has cared for over 780 children and young people. They have also supported more than 1,220 families, including those who are bereaved. The charity needs £27,000 per day to run its services and relies on donations and fundraising by the community and local businesses for 70% of this amount.
The SJL Ball was proudly sponsored by:
SJL Insurance Services, Skipton Building Society, Dolphin Tec, Lonmar Global Risks, Canopius Group
Contact us for more information.
