The annual White Hat Ball, at London’s Lancaster Hotel on Friday, January 25 raised £193,000 for Childline. The event by the information risk and security sector has been running for 14 years and has raised more than £1.7m for the NSPCC’s advice line service.
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, including Childline founder, the broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen.
The evening, sponsored by audit firm 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 was Mark Logsdon. He 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 night also included various fundraising; a silent auction, raffle, a live auction by committee member Clive Room and a pledge led by author Matt Carey. Other sponsors were Barclay Simpson Recruitment, Qualys and the IT sector association (ISC)2.
Childline president, 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.”
