West Sussex businessman gives away £100,000 – for the third year in a row
For the third consecutive year a retired businessman from East Preston has given away £100,000 to Sussex charities.
At a recent ceremony 37 of them from across the county shared the large donation from David Hunt.
David, originally from Surrey, retired to West Sussex some 20 years ago and his intention always was to give money to charity and so started The David Hunt Trust assisted by his partner, Catherine Mackenzie.
More than 120 applications for grants were received for this year’s giveaway. The money was divided amongst the rewarding charities and community projects.
A panel of judges debated the merits of each application and finally settled on 37 award winners. There was not one clear winner for the £20,000 grant so it was decided to award £11,116 to St Wilfred’s Hospice from Chichester, Ferring Country Centre received £5,500, Sage House from Tangmere £5,000 and Chichester and Arun Down’s Syndrome received £3,500.
The awards have now reached the 100th award recipient since David started his £100,000 a year giveaway.
The awards ceremony was held at Ham Manor Golf Club with around 70 people in attendance.
The MC for the event was Dr Lucy Brennan, a Trustee and she was assisted by Catherine Mackenzie another Trustee, who presented the cheques.
Catherine said: “Also a big thank you to Jules and Rachael, Trustees and Debbie the charities assistant.
“Bringing the event to a close, David Hunt, now in a wheelchair with spinal cord damage, said a few words and gave reasons for giving money to charity. He explained that it was his poor upbringing that encouraged him to feel empathy with the less fortunate and his desire to help impoverished people.”
A list of all award winners is available.