On a crisp evening on Thursday 30th November, the doors swung open once again to welcome cherished guests, family, and friends to the second annual Parklane Foundation Dinner. Despite the frosty weather, attendees arrived dressed to the nines, ready to embrace a fabulous evening at the iconic Headingley Stadium.
As guests stepped into the Howard Suite, they were greeted with an array of delightful canapes and invigorating mocktails, courtesy of the exceptional MyLahore. A beautifully curated grazing table brimmed with delectable nibbles, complemented by the melodious strains of orchestral music performed by Mark Oysten and his talented sons. The suite glimmered with the soft glow of Christmas trees and enchanting tree centrepieces, casting an inviting aura over the gathering.
Promptly at 7pm, everyone took their seats as the evening commenced with a poignant video, illuminating the Parklane Foundation’s impactful endeavours. The Parklane Group’s remarkable efforts over the past year culminated in an astounding achievement: raising a staggering £80,000! This substantial sum was dedicated to our esteemed Charity Partners; Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Leeds Hospitals Charity—each receiving a generous cheque of £20,000. The surplus funds will continue to bolster the Parklane Foundation’s support for local charities and communities, including initiatives like Footgolf sessions benefiting inner-city school children.
The evening unfolded with inspiring speakers, notably Barry Brindley from The Zikomo Trust. Last year, the Foundation contributed £4,000 towards building a school in Malawi for 240 children—a cause deeply resonant with the Parklane Foundation Family, rooted in Malawi. In recognition of Barry’s unwavering commitment to charitable work in Malawi, he was honoured with The Parklane Foundation Annual Award. Another cheque of £4,000 was presented to aid in furthering educational infrastructure in Malawi.
The latter part of the evening was dedicated to unveiling our Charities of the Year for 2024, focusing on the theme of homelessness; Crisis, St George’s Crypt, and Simon on the Streets. The Parklane Foundation also pledged to donate a self-care package for every single guest who attended the dinner to the two local charities; St George’s Crypt and Simon on the Streets. The packages include beanie hats, dental kits, shampoo, soap plus other hygiene products – a little festive gift for the cold winter months.
A heartfelt acknowledgment was extended to MyLahore for their exceptional catering, delighting guests with a sumptuous spread ranging from a tantalising grazing table, canapes, and mocktails to an exquisite plated starter, a selection of curry mains, and an opulent dessert spread. Their impeccable service left an indelible mark on the evening, with guests still reminiscing about last year’s feast.
Musical talents added an extra layer of charm to the night, with an orchestral trio and Mark Osyten and his sons setting the perfect ambiance. The latter part of the evening saw the enchanting performance of Holly, a talented singer whose renditions of classic tunes ignited the dance floor and filled the room with infectious energy.
It was a night of warmth and inspiration, an opportunity to showcase the incredible impact of The Parklane Foundation’s work. Gratitude overflowed as heartfelt thanks were extended to all supporters whose generous contributions make this meaningful work possible.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who graced the event, and we eagerly anticipate reconnecting with you next year for another unforgettable evening!
To find out more or register your interest to sponsor the event/packages or contribute to auction prizes next year, please contact us through the enquiry form online https://parklanefoundation.org/
