Month: January 2019
White Hat Ball Raises Almost £200k for Childline
An incredible £193,000 was raised for Childline at the annual White Hat Ball which took place at London’s Lancaster Hotel on Friday 25 January.
The Ball, which is now a major event in the information risk and security industry, has been running for 14 years and during that time raised more than £1.7million 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 infosecurity industry is becoming increasingly important. Last year Childline delivered over 3,000 counselling sessions about bullying online and online safety.
The White Hat Ball was hosted by television presenter and writer Nick Knowles and attended by 650 guests in the industry, as well as Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen DBE.
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, Mark Logsdon said: “Each year the White Hat Ball raises a fantastic amount of money for Childline, a cause we are incredibly 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 children and young people over the past 14 years.”
The Ball also included various fundraising activities including a silent auction, raffle, a live auction conducted by committee member Clive Room and a powerful pledge led by author Matt Carey.
Childline president, Dame Esther Rantzen DBE 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 the event sponsors; KPMG, Barclay Simpson Recruitment, Qualys and (ISC) ² without whom this event would not be possible.
1 Week to Go Until #WHB19 – Things You Need to Know
As we are now in the countdown to this year’s White Hat Ball, we 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!
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, so the ball will be grander than ever.
We look forward to seeing you on the 25th January 2019
Nick Knowles Announced as #WHB19 Host
We’re delighted to announce that TV Star Nick Knowles has been confirmed to host January’s White Hat Ball, a glittering evening where the cyber and risk communities come together to raise money for NSPCC Childline.
Most recently seen on your screens during a successful stint on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Nick is probably best known as the presenter of BBC1’s most watched and longest running prime time factual series DIY SOS – The Big Build.
We’re really pleased to have Nick joining us to help raise much needed funds for NSPCC Childline to ensure no child ever goes unheard in their time of need.
Fancy Owning the Wedding Dress Worn by Kym Marsh on Coronation Street?
As we are now just over a week away from this year’s White Hat Ball we wanted to share with you a select few of our fantastic silent auction prizes which are now live to bid on – charitystars.com/collection/white-hat-ball
These are just a taster of what you can expect. There are lots more incredible auction prizes that will only be available to bid on at the Ball including the Ultimate Take That Package, an Interior Design Experience, Britain’s Got Talent Semi Final tickets, a 7 Night Stay in Tuscany and much more!
We still have a few tables available at the ball if you would like to join us, contact: Charlotte Bignell on 020 3772 9059 or charlotte.bignell@nspcc.org.uk
Strike a Pose at #WHB19
The 14th annual White Hat Ball is nearly upon us, held at the beautiful Royal Lancaster London. This year we will be entertaining guests once again with a GIF photo station from Showtime Photo Booth (a Showtime Events company). Grab some friends and use the props to make silly and funny animations, which you can then share across social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #WHB19 to help create a unique memento of the night!
The entertainment doesn’t end there as after dinner we will be cheering The Phat Cats back up on stage for a second year running. Performing a wide range of songs, this lively band will get everyone up on their feet and dancing into the small hours, ensuring this years White Hat Ball is the best one yet!
