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.