Mayor hosts charity gala dinner in Brighton’s historic Royal Pavilion

The event on Friday (September 27) was in support of ten of the mayor’s twenty chosen charities and supporters and representatives of the charities and members of the public were invited by the mayor.

When all donations are received, the evening is expected to have raised £12,000 for the charities - in line with the ‘hint of gold’ dress code.

The mayor explained the importance of supporting local charities and said: “These charities are often a lifeline for people in need and the work that they do for the City of Brighton & Hove is indispensable”.

An auction took place with prizes ranging from a seven night holiday in Cape Verde and VIP access to The Big Cheer to high tea with the mayor in her parlour. A bottle tombola and a raffle also contributed to the fundraising efforts.

Guest auctioneer Nicky Davin presided over the fundraising while director of local restaurant Moshimo, Karl Jones, wined and dined guests.

Aged just 18, harpist and Lancing College graduate Megan Johns welcomed guests with beautiful music.

Every year the newly elected mayor selects chosen charities for their tenure, with this year’s selection of twenty charities focusing on support for women and children.

This demonstrates the mayor’s wish to bring together a wide range of causes to promote awareness of their work, raise funds, and build connections between the services.

Ten of the charities worked alongside the mayor to organise the dinner, these were: Amaze, Brighton Women’s Centre, Cruse Brighton & Hove, Extratime, Oasis Project, Parent Carer’s Council, Survivors’ Network, Sussex Nightstop, Sustrans, and Whoopsadaisy.

To find out more about the mayor’s chosen charities or to donate to them, please contact the Civic Office at [email protected] or by calling 01273 291225.