Month: January 2017
Record Breaking £198,000 Raised for ChildLine at #WHB17
A record-breaking £198,000 was raised for Childline at the annual WhiteHat Ball which took place at London’s Lancaster Hotel on Friday 27 January.
As more young people are turning to Childline for help about issues they are encountering online the support given to the charity by the information security industry is becoming increasingly relevant. Last year there were 11,253 Childline counselling sessions carried out with children and young people about online issues such as sexual abuse, bullying and safety.
Speaking after the ball, chairman of this year’s WhiteHat Ball committee, Clive Room said:
“Yet again the WhiteHat Ball has raised an amazing amount of money for a cause we are deeply passionate about. Thanks to all of those involved in making it happen, our sponsors and those who attended, donated and gave so generously.”
“I’m extremely proud to be part of an industry which has made such a difference to so many young lives over the past 12 years.”
Childline president, Dame Esther Rantzen, who also attended the event, said:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Clive, the WhiteHat Ball committee and the information security and risk industry for their support over the last 12 years. The money they’ve raised will help to make sure we can be there for every young person when they need us the most.
“At Childline we’ve become more aware of the dangers of the online world and it’s wonderful to have the support of an industry which is determined to keep the internet safe.”
The WhiteHat Ball would not be possible without the support of the information security community and we the committee would like to personally thank each and every one of you for your generosity and support over the last 12 years. This support has enabled us to raise in excess of £1.2 million for the NSPCC’s Childline services which is quite phenomenal!
Thanks again to our 2017 headline sponsor KPMG for helping to make #WHB17 possible and to our event sponsors: Fujitsu, Symantec, Barclay Simpson, (ISC)², CyberArk, Palo Alto and Qualys
We look forward to seeing you all at the next WhiteHat Ball, date to be announecd shortly, and don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for other events and fundraising opportunities throughout the year.
Silent Auction Preview
With the WhiteHat Ball 2017 just two days away, we thought we’d treat you to a preview of the silent auction items that will be up for grabs on the night.
We will also have a selection of very exciting live auction items that will remain top secret until #WHB17 opens its doors – get your bidding hands ready, it’s going to be an exciting night!
Check out the silent auction items below and download the full list with descriptions here: white-hat-ball-silent-auction-list
Terms and conditions apply to some auction items. Full terms and details will be available on the night.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!
#WHB17 Menu Sneak Peak
Not long to go now before we all meet up at The Lancaster in our finery on the 27th .
To whet your appetites for what’s to come, I thought I might give you a sneak preview of the delicious menu. The first course is a trio of choices which we’ve put together on one plate because we couldn’t decide between them. It’s a Tian of confit duck leg with cucumber and spring (a very posh twist on the crispy duck pancakes of old) with a red onion and Somerset brie tart and the hotel’s famous, house smoked salmon.
The main course this year is Horseradish and parsley topped beef, shiitake & chestnut mushrooms, gratin potatoes, savoy cabbage, baby onions, root vegetables and a port jus.
Finally, as in previous years, we have chosen two puddings and will serve five of each to every table of ten. That way you can choose between you in your couples or make a new friend by sharing with the person next to you! These are a milk chocolate opera cake with peanut butter, chocolate fondant and raspberry sorbet or a passion fruit and white chocolate cheesecake with blood orange sorbet. It’s mouth-wateringly magnificent.
I should make you aware that Lancaster Gate Tube will be closed when you come to the ball but plenty of other stations such as Queensway and Paddington are very close by. Forewarned is forearmed so that you don’t get a nasty surprise on the day.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the 27th.
Kindest regards
Clive Room
Chair of White Hat Committee
Three Week Countdown to #WHB17
Happy New Year to you all. I can’t believe that Christmas has come and gone so quickly and here we are in 2017 already.
As we are now in the countdown to this year’s White Hat Ball I thought it might be a good idea to run through some of the arrangements for people who are coming for the first time.
The champagne drinks reception will start from 6.30pm in the Nine Kings Suite when you will have an opportunity to mix and mingle with the other guests, buy raffle tickets for the draw later on in the evening and buy this year’s lapel pin. It’s also a chance to examine some of the lots on display for the silent and live auctions.
The dress code is black tie. Don your best dinner jacket, ball gown or snappy cocktail dress and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!”
The hotel does take cards but It’s always a good idea to have cash on you as well. Especially for things like raffle tickets. As the hotel reception is undergoing a major refurbishment at present, there isn’t a cash machine in the hotel, so stock up before you come or you’ll have to walk to the two or three minutes to Spring Street for ATMs.
I look forward to seeing you on the 27th January 2017.
Kindest regards
Clive Room
Chair of White Hats Committee