Yorkshire-based businesses raise thousands for charity at corporate gala dinner

A West Yorkshire-based homelessness charity, Simon on the Streets, has raised more than £6,500 at its third annual charity ball.

More than 140 business professionals joined together to attend the Rough Diamond Ball at The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds on 19th May 2017.

Sponsored by Brighouse-based Yorkshire Payments, the event included live music, dancing, auctions and the opportunity to win a genuine ‘rough cut’ diamond worth hundreds of pounds, donated by Bingley-based Iain Henderson Designs, an independent, Yorkshire jeweller.

Founded in 1999, Simon on the Streets is an independent charity, working with local people who are affected by homelessness and rough sleeping. The organisation offers street-support to individuals who have complex needs and cannot access mainstream services, due to behavioural issues or mental illness. The charity regularly works with local businesses to fulfil corporate social responsibility objectives and give back to the community.

Commenting on the event, Simon on the Streets general manager, Gordon Laing said:

“The ball was a great success. It always touches the team when we meet our supporters and we are very grateful to those who attended the event to support the charity. I am eternally grateful to James Howard from Yorkshire Payments, the main sponsor at the ball and Iain Henderson from Iain Henderson Designs for his donation of the diamond, both of whom helped make the evening both successful and memorable. The evening was a huge success and would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses. The rate of homelessness in city centres is still disturbingly high and as such, fundraising initiatives such as this are key in helping us to continue tackling the problem.”

Managing director and founder at Yorkshire Payments said:

“As a trustee and keen supporter of Simon on the Streets, I was very pleased to be able to enjoy a fantastic evening of fundraising alongside my team. The amount of money raised is testament to the kindness and generosity of local businesses and individuals alike, and it is incredible to see the amount of support Simon on the Streets has gained as result of the great work the charity conducts. The evening was a great success and we look forward to attending any future events the charity organises.”

Iain Henderson, founder of Iain Henderson Designs Ltd, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to have supported Simon on the Streets at the Rough Diamond Ball this year, by supplying a rough diamond for one lucky prize winner. We firmly believe in the work the charity conducts and the valuable support they supply to those in need. We will continue to help in any way we can, to support the charity in their future fundraising efforts.”

To find out more about the charity, visit www.simononthestreets.co.uk or contact Simon the Streets’ development manager, Sue Oliver at sue@simononthestreets.co.uk.


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About Simon on the Streets

Simon On the Streets is a registered charity (1165317) that focuses on unsupported people with a history of rough sleeping in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. The team offers street-based, emotional and practical support for those who cannot access mainstream services. Part of Simon on the Streets’ role is tackling the behavioral issues and mental illnesses that result in homelessness and addiction. For more information about the charity, visit www.simononthestreets.co.uk or tweet @simonotstreets.