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.