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£40,000 raised for local causes at Yorkshire’s biggest business fundraiser

One of the region’s biggest annual gatherings of business people has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local causes. Over 600 business people attended the 13th annual York Sportsman’s Lunch, at York Racecourse earlier this month (2 November).

The event was headlined by recently retired Irish rugby union player Paul O’Connell and former Bath and England player David Flatman, and was supported by first-time sponsor Croft Residential. Guests of honour from the Yorkshire Regiment enjoyed a VIP table at the event.

Guests from across the UK attended what has become Yorkshire’s largest charity lunch, raising money for a range of local and sporting causes.

Organisers Mark Pepper and Nick Elliott of Sporting Connexions have confirmed that with new sponsorship from York property specialist Croft Residential, and ticket sales and donations on the day the lunch has raised over £40,000. .First held in 2005, the charity lunch has raised over £700,000 to date.

Mr Pepper said: “The event was again a great way for the business community to network and raise funds for some really worthy local causes. The backing of sponsor Croft Residential and other local businesses is vital to the annual event, and their support makes the whole event worthwhile, and we’re very grateful for everyone’s generosity.”

Previous speakers have included England rugby captains Lawrence Dallaglio, and Martin Johnson, Springbok legend Francois Pienaar and star Irish player Brian O’Driscoll.

Toby Cockcroft of Croft Residential, sponsor of the event, commented: “Having attended every one of the yearly lunches I knew just how beneficial the funds raised are to the charities, causes and sporting clubs they support each year. It’s great to be part of an initiative that gives back, especially in the region where we are based, and the support of the other Yorkshire business people was great to see too.”

Other local contributors included Mike Ibbotson of the Durham Ox, who hosted the speakers and VIPs ahead of the lunch.

Organiser Nick Elliott said: “We try to ensure that the money raised benefits as many local charities and sports facilities as possible. We have some really fantastic projects that need our support and we’re looking forward to seeing the funds working hard and doing good in the community.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .