Last night, our 20th anniversary Gala Dinner at Mosimann’s raised £50,923 (net of costs) for Create’s vital work of bringing the creative arts to those who need it most.
Our Gala Dinner at Mosimann’s has been an annual event since our first anniversary in 2004, bar a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic! It was so good to be back for this flagship fundraising event that included a Champagne reception and six-course dinner. A raffle and silent auction gave dinner guests the opportunity to give much-appreciated funds in support of Create’s vital mission. They were also inspired to make numerous generous donations.
The funds raised will enable us to continue reaching the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the UK, promoting wellbeing, building confidence and bringing joy through the power of the creative arts.
This year, the Gala celebrated the impact of 20 years of sparking creativity while focusing on our ambitious plans for the next five years, including the newest strand of work with children looked after.
In her speech, Founding CEO, Nicky Goulder shared the heart-breaking story of an eight-year old child whose life went into rapid decline after her mum died and she was taken into care. One of 100 children who are taken into care every day in the UK, she became one of the estimated 103,000 children who are currently looked after in the UK’s care system.
We launched our new our:voices programme in response to this need. Nicky explained that we now work with dedicated staff at four councils, charities and care homes to give children looked after access to the power of creativity:
“When I visited the project a few weeks ago, I saw for myself the incredible impact of this project. Twelve children were creating music with two of our professional musicians and our project manager. We had created such a safe space that many of the young people opened up about their lives and the reason for being in care. It was moving to see the support that they provided for one another.”
“In the first piece they created – All Shades of Grey – they reflected on their experience of being in care including being bullied, lack of sleep, crying; anxiety, “hiding inside your cocoon” and “building walls to hide behind” but also their hope that “It’s going to get better”.
Their second piece – Dream Big – expressed their dreams and aspirations: “I want to be a photographer” / “I want to be an architect”; “I want to play for PSG” / “I want to be an author” / I want to work at Costa / “I want to be a dog owner” / “I want to be an artist” / “I want to look after old[er] people” / “I want to be a PSHE teacher” “In the chorus, they talk about closing their eyes, little things that inspire them, things that make them feel endlessly free.”
This story is one of many showing just how vital the creative arts are for children who face challenges in their lives, providing them with tools for self-expression, giving them a voice, and enabling them to imagine a better future.
We would like to thank Anton Mosimann OBE, Mark Mosimann and the staff at Mosimann’s for making the Gala Dinner possible, to all who bought tables and donated items for the silent auction and raffle, and to everyone who supported the raffle and auction on the night. Your generous support will enable us to follow our Big Dream of ensuring that everyone has access to the life-enhancing power of creativity.
