Wakefield Annual Charity Christmas Lunch (WACCL) brought together more than 300 people from across the Wakefield business community on Thursday 15 December to celebrate five-years of the initiative which raises money for charities that provide support and guidance to young people.
The lunchtime event, which hoped to generate funds of £32,000 for its three chosen charities; Levi Star, supporting children with brain tumours; My Burns Club, assisting young people with burn related injuries to live a normal and active life and Theatre Royal Wakefield Youth Academy, providing bursaries to allow disadvantaged youngsters to attend classes, exceeded all targets by raising a massive £40,400!
Providing charitable contributions of more than £80,000 in the last four years, this year’s WACCL event exceeded all expectations with local businesses proving that charity begins at home and Christmas is certainly a time for giving. The total funds now exceed £100,000, which has and will continue to make a huge difference to the beneficiaries.
The event, which was over-subscribed for the first time in its history, started with a champagne reception followed by a three-course meal with coffee. Compared by Pete Emmett, those attending also took part in games, a raffle and auction.
As well as the planned activities, an anonymous donation of £10,000 was made during the event, topping the total and giving the committee and charities involved a real cause for celebration.
Chair of the WACCL committee, Ian Taylor comments: “We always say that Wakefield is closed for business when the WACCL event is on and judging by the number of people that attended this year’s event that was certainly the case. I think we were all overwhelmed by the generosity of the businesses in the room and we really cannot thank those that came along enough.
“This money will make a real difference to these charities, all of which work with young people in our district. I am very proud of what we have achieved but there is no resting on our laurels, our job now is to make next year even bigger and better. Watch this space!”
