Category: Charity

1. MV Agusta winning bid brings Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal total to over £120,000

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 5th May 2022

   MV AGUSTA WINNING BID BRINGS SALON PRIVÉ DEC UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL TOTAL TO OVER £120,000 #STANDWITHUKRAINE Winning bidder collects 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s Salon Privé London raises over £120,000 to help alleviate suffering Historic motorbike sells for £48,000 at auction to help drive final donation 20% of Salon Privé London event entry ticket revenue donated Online and live charity auction contribute to funds for Ukraine crisis Website for donations still open at www.spdec.org   The highest bidder on the 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s has collected his historic Italian sport bike, bringing the total raised by the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to £120,000, following the debut of the capital’s new must-attend automotive event. Salon Privé London is thanking its event partners, exhibitors and guests for their generosity in helping alleviate the suffering of those effected by the devastating ongoing war. The sale of the 1970’s MV Agusta proved the star of the show, selling for £48,000 on the Friday night at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner. Many parties had made their interest in the bike clear, but in the end Mr. Ian Smart was successful in placing the winning bid, with 100% of the hammer price going to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Ian Smart said: “I am delighted to have been successful in winning this beautiful MV Agusta motorbike, and to support Salon Privé in this important fundraising campaign to provide aid to those in need during the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis. My sincere thanks goes to RM Sotheby’s for their generosity in donating this important part of MV Agusta's history and ensuring the success of the auction.”  As part of the charity endeavour of its first event in the capital, Salon Privé London committed 20% of entry ticket revenue and auctioned donated items on the Friday night. With remarkable generosity shown by the event partners and exhibitors of the Royal Hospital Chelsea event, the bike played a key role in driving awareness and visibility of the fundraising activity. Peter Haynes, Marketing Director for RM Sotheby’s EMEA, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in raising as much money as possible for this urgent cause. We see it as a moral obligation to assist in the easing of the appalling humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine.”   Director of Salon Privé Andrew Bagley said: “Special thanks must go to RM Sotheby’s for the incredibly generous donation of the 1974 MV Agusta motorbike, and Mr. Ian Smart for placing the winning bid, but there have been so many genuinely heartfelt pledges made. We want to thank everyone, as no donation is too small in this effort to help those in need.”   With an online silent auction of 25 items running up to and during up to the event, and the sale of star lots at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner, both exhibitors and visitors had the chance to support the people of Ukraine who are going through unimaginable hardship. Attracting the attention of enthusiasts and aficionados in the lead up to the event, the 1974 MV Agusta GT (Sport Conversion) offered in the auction was the centrepiece of the sale. Supplied new to MV Agusta factory rider, Gianfranco Bonera, who owned it until 1978 it was originally manufactured to “GT” specification and subsequently uprated to Sport specification. With 69 horsepower available, the period superbike provides stunning looks and an exhilarating riding experience. Last month Salon Privé London launched its appeal and engaged with the industry to develop the charitable effort leading up to, and during, the luxury car event. The sister event to Salon Privé Blenheim, it presented a fantastic and timely opportunity to galvanise all those involved with, and attending, and raise much needed funds to help the people of Ukraine. Working with DEC and Work for Good, the funds raised will directly help the people forced to leave everything behind as they flee the fighting in Ukraine. With over 18 million expected to be affected by the conflict, and four million displaced, the resources will provide vital supplies of shelter, food and water. Bringing together 15 leading aid charities, the DEC raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. People in life-and-death situations rely on its help as it works to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. It’s still possible to contribute to the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at www.spdec.org

2. Ben Ball is back for 2022, bigger and better than ever!

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 4th May 2022

   • The Ben Ball will take place on 7th December in its new home of Old Billingsgate Market.
   • Event raises significant funds to support those in the automotive family who are struggling or in crisis.
   • Booking is now open for tickets and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, has announced that its annual flagship black tie event – Ben Ball – will be held this year on Wednesday 7th December, supported by AutoTrader.
   
   Following the stunning success of the 2021 event, Ben Ball 2022 will move across London to its new home at Old Billingsgate Market – a spectacular venue in the heart of the City on the north bank of the Thames.
   
   The 2021 Ben Ball took place after Covid restrictions were lifted and quickly sold out as the automotive community seized the chance to gather together in person and celebrate in spectacular style. Over 600 automotive industry figures attended the event, joining forces to raise over £96,500 – one of the highest totals ever achieved at a Ben Ball.
   
   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “Together, once again, we did something extraordinary at the 2021 Ben Ball. The staggering amount of funds raised helps Ben continue to provide life-saving support to those in our automotive family who most need it, and it can’t be overstated how much those donations will help people who turn to us when they are struggling or in crisis.
   
   “Over the last 2 years, we’ve seen support requests double, and the cases that we are seeing are more complex and urgent than we’ve experienced before. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event for us – not only does it bring in vital donations, but it also gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, and to show how we use their donations to change people’s lives.
   
   “Plans for the Ben Ball 2022 are well underway and the event looks set to be extraordinary. We would like to invite everyone in the industry to book tickets and join us for our celebrations but also to extend an invite to anyone who may wish to sponsor the event to get in touch.
   
   “We can’t wait to welcome you to our new venue – Old Billingsgate Market – this December for the automotive industry event of the year!
   
   ”To book your tickets or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.

   
   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

3. Two-wheeled fundraising drive for SSAFA Staffordshire in Bradley's name

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 7th Feb 2022

   The tragic death of Sapper Bradley Parks in 2019 has been the inspiration for several fundraising events for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and the latest has been with motorcycle group 365 Warriors. More than £660 raised by 365 Warriors will go to the Staffordshire branch of SSAFA.  

   Bradley served in 26 Engineer Regiment, part of the Royal Engineers, based in Tidworth and was diagnosed with bipolar in April 2019, just three months before he took his life. He was in the process of leaving the Army after four years’ service and would have been discharged in February 2020.

   John and Rachel Parks – Bradley’s parents – have been raising awareness about mental health and help others who are suffering by supporting SSAFA. Their good friends Mark Pearman and Lydia Holmes, who run 365 Warriors, have supported them in this and with earlier two-wheeled fundraising activities.

   Lydia said that 365 Warriors took groups of bikers out on rideouts into the Peak District and surrounding areas, charging £5 per bike, with many donating more. Mark and Lydia, who run M & L Detailing, gave £5 to SSAFA from each bike cleaned. They also held a fun day at a local pub and an auction on Facebook, and sold bike decals and cups, all adding to the generous tally.

   Explaining further 365 Warriors’ reason for supporting SSAFA in Bradley’s name, Lydia said: “We’re a charity bike group, and we raise money for good causes by doing what we love: riding our motorbikes, because bikes are our passion and our life.”

   Anne MacKinnon, Branch Secretary of SSAFA Staffordshire, added: “The tragic death of Bradley, a young man who became a Sapper to serve his country, has touched the hearts of many in the Forces family, and outside it, around the country. On behalf of SSAFA Staffordshire, I am extremely grateful to Lydia and Mark, 365 Warriors, and all those bikers and others who supported this fundraising drive in Bradley’s name.”

   To find out more about SSAFA and the support it provides, visit ssafa.org.uk

   

   SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. The SSAFA family includes the Military Wives Choirs, both an independent charity and a subsidiary of SSAFA, which supports women across the military community. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us. ssafa.org.uk

    

    

   article supplied

4. Ben launches new website to improve support for automotive community

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 20th Jan 2022

   • New Ben website offers tools and resources to help people struggling or in crisis.
   • Easier to navigate with improved access to key information, the new site will help to reach more people than ever before.
   • New site designed to provide health and wellbeing information, advice and self-help for the automotive industry and its people.

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, is proud to announce the launch of its new website for 2022 – www.ben.org.uk - designed to offer quick and easy access to essential self-help tools and resources to help improve the health and wellbeing of the automotive industry across the UK.

   The demand for support has reached an all-time high, with more people than ever contacting Ben for help since the emergence of the Covid pandemic. Online support in particular is in high demand, with Ben noting a massive 184% increase in web visitors from October 2016 compared to October 2021.

   The Ben team acknowledged a need to strengthen the charity’s online offering, to support both automotive employees reaching out for help and the many employers who work with Ben to improve the health and wellbeing of their workforce too.

   While the web address hasn’t changed, Ben’s website has undergone a huge transformation. The site is fully responsive across all devices and offers a simpler navigation, clearly signposting to self-help tools and resources. Tips, advice and tools are offered for a range of topics, such as money worries, physical and mental health, self-care tips, stress, sleep, loneliness, resilience, bereavement and more, with further self-help content scheduled for development this year.

   The site also offers an enhanced user experience for those visiting the site, including those wishing to find out more about becoming a donor, who would like to participate in Ben’s latest fundraising events and opportunities, and for those seeking information about Ben care services.

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “The launch of the new website is really exciting for us, not only because it will enable us to increase our reach to the automotive industry and its people, but it also serves as a huge opportunity to offer industry people access to many self-help tools and resources, designed to help them earlier and prevent them from reaching crisis point.

   “Our aim is to help individuals navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. If we can intervene at an early stage and connect individuals with the right information, advice and guidance, we stand a much better change of preventing issues from arising in the first place or developing into something that could have a much more serious impact.

   “The new website will go a long way towards getting the message out there to our automotive family – to ensure they know they are not alone, Ben is on hand to help them as and when they need it.”

   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

   The new Ben website is live at www.ben.org.uk For employers who would like to find out more about working in partnership with Ben, or who would be interested in discussing Health & Wellbeing training for employees contact Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben: [email protected].

5. Automotive industry unites at Ben Ball 2021 to raise £96,500 in life-saving funds

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 14th Dec 2021

   • Automotive community gathers for first major industry celebration since the pandemic.
   • Over £96,000 donated to Ben to provide life-changing support to those in need.
   • Industry leaders attending Ben Ball join forces to pledge support for Ben’s work in the community.
   • Pledges on the night set to take Christmas Appeal fundraising past £500,000 target.

   Ben Ball made a welcome return to London’s iconic Roundhouse for a spectacular comeback celebration on 8th December – bringing 600 automotive industry people together for the first time since the pandemic began and raising £96,500 in the process.

   The Roundhouse was transformed into a spectacular winter ballroom for the evening, and guests were treated to stunning live entertainment from LED drum crew, Spark! and a thrilling performance from the aerial acrobatic circus troupe, Arctic Cirque.

   There were many opportunities for guests to donate funds to Ben during the evening, including an exciting live auction hosted by TV auctioneer and presenter, Jamie Breese.

   Ben also shared updates with guests on the charity’s forthcoming Industry Leader Challenge - which in 2022 will be an epic Kilimanjaro climb – and gave an insight into the vast increase in demand that Ben is experiencing, as more people than ever before are reaching out for help with their mental health and wellbeing.

   As the evening’s fundraising efforts were totalled, the final figure has been confirmed as £96,500 - one of the highest donation totals ever at a Ben Ball and exceeding previous years’ results. The generosity of the industry during these high-pressure, post-pandemic times will allow Ben to reach more of those who need help and to better support members of the automotive community and their loved ones who are in crisis or struggling. Furthermore, pledges made from automotive industry guests at the event are expected to take the figure raised for Ben’s urgent Christmas Appeal past its £500,000 target.

   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “When I was told of the final total raised to help our friends and colleagues in need, I was so moved. During the pandemic, the number of people who have been reaching out to us for help has sky-rocketed and we need to be able to provide support right away – vital support that really does save lives. We rely on donations to be able to give this support and we knew that the 2021 Ben Ball would be more crucial this year than ever before.

   “The industry responded more generously than we could ever have hoped. 600 friends and colleagues gathered in the Roundhouse, not just to celebrate the opportunity to be together again, but to stand with us, shoulder to shoulder, and show the automotive community that we care. That together we are committed to helping people to get through their darkest days. That no-one in our automotive family is alone.

   “We want to thank all those who joined us for the Ben Ball. It was a fabulous night and we hope you enjoyed the chance to dance and celebrate this wonderful community we are a part of. The generosity shown on the night – not only to raise nearly £100,000 but also the further pledges in support of our recent rallying cry – was incredible. We promise to make it count.”

   Ben Ball will return in 2022 – in the meantime to pledge your support to Ben, email [email protected] or to discuss further ways of supporting Ben, call Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income, on 07880 813051.