Month: January 2018
White Hat Ball Raises Almost £200k for Childline #WHB18
A record-breaking £191,000 was raised for Childline at the annual White Hat Ball which took place at London’s Lancaster Hotel on Friday 26 January.
The Ball, which is now a major event in the information risk and security industry, has been running for 13 years and during that time raised more than £1.5million for the NSPCC’s Childline service.
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 important. Last year there were over 12,000 counselling sessions with young people who talked to Childline about online issues such as sexual abuse, bullying and safety.
The White Hat Ball was hosted by ballroom dancer, singer and television presenter Anton du Beke and attended by 650 guests in the industry, as well as Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen.
The evening, sponsored by KPMG, started with a champagne reception followed by a three-course dinner and music by live band, The Phat Cats, who have previously performed with the likes of Rita Ora, Adele and Nicole Scherzinger.
Chairman of this year’s White Hat Ball committee, Clive Room said: “Each year the White Hat Ball raises 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 13 years.”
The Ball also included various fundraisers including a silent auction, raffle, pledge and live auction conducted by committee chair Clive Room.
Childline president, Dame Esther Rantzen said: “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 help keep the internet safe.
“The money the information security and risk industry have raised will help us be there for more young people, some of whom are in desperate need of our help.”
A huge thank you to all our sponsors; KPMG, Barclay Simpson Recruitment, Prudential Plc, Qualys and (ISC) ² without whom the ball would not be possible.
#WHB18 Menu Sneak Peek
Not long to go now before we all meet up at The Lancaster in our finery on the 26th January.
To whet your appetites for what’s to come, I thought I might give you a sneak preview of the delicious menu we’ll be serving on the night.
Starters
Poached Brixham Dover sole fillet with a smoked salmon mousse, steamed leeks and a Champagne cream sauce
Vintage Cheddar Soufflé with roasted red peppers, creamed corn and wilted spinach (V)
Mains
Roasted West Country fillet of beef with pickled red onion, spinach and noisette potatoes, and a burgundy truffle jus
Wild mushroom, wilted spinach and smoked applewood money bag with a white wine cream sauce (V)
Dessert
Blackberry mousse with a pistachio sponge and pistachio ice cream
Sticky toffee pudding with a butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream
Coffee and petit fours
I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the 26th.
Kindest regards
Clive Room
Chair of White Hat Committee
Exclusive Silent Auction Preview #WHB18
With the WhiteHat Ball 2018 just 10 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 #WHB18 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 – Lot Information
Two Week Countdown to #WHB18
Happy New Year to you all. I can’t believe that Christmas has come and gone so quickly and here we are in 2018 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 Westbourne Suite, where 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, so don your best dinner jacket, ball gown or snappy cocktail dress and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes. Who knows, you may get to dance the rumba with our celebrity guest of honour – Anton Du Beke from Strictly!
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. The hotel has undergone a major 5 star refurbishment since last year, so the ball will be grander than ever.
I look forward to seeing you on the 26th January 2018.
Kindest regards
Clive Room
Chair of White Hat Committee
Our host for the White Hat Ball has been confirmed…..welcome Anton du Beke! #WHB18
We’re delighted to announce that Strictly Star Anton du Beke has been confirmed to host January’s White Hat Ball at the Lancaster London.
Affectionately known as ‘the king of ballroom’ and a familiar sight on television, Anton is best known for appearing in every series of the BBC hit show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ aired to date. He is most famed for his pairing with the formidable Ann Widdecombe – with comedic routines reaching a record 11.9 million viewers and causing nothing short of a nationwide sensation. With the viewing public’s support he has also made ballroom belles of leading ladies including Lesley Garrett, Dame Esther Rantzen, Jerry Hall, Judy Murray, Lesley Joseph, and most recently Ruth Langsford.
Make sure to dust off your dancing shoes and join us for an evening of sparkling entertainment and maybe the odd pirouette or two!
We have a limited number of tables now left for the ball. To reserve yours please contact sarah.jeffery@nspcc.org.uk.
WHITE HAT EVENTS 