Last Friday, January 26, £191,000 was raised for Childline at the annual White Hat Ball, held at the prestigious Lancaster Hotel in London.
In its 13th year, the Ball is now a major event in the information risk and security industry calendar, generating more than £1.5m for the NSPCC’s Childline service since its inception.
With more and more young people reaching out to Childline for help with issues that they encounter online, the support given by the information security industry has never been more valuable. In 2017, there were over 12,000 counselling sessions in which children spoke to Childline about experiences of online sexual abuse, bullying and safety.
This year’s Ball, attended by 650 guests (including Infosecurity Magazine) was hosted by ballroom dancer, singer and television presenter Anton du Beke. Also present was Childline founder and president Dame Esther Rantzen.
“At Childline we’ve become more aware of the dangers of the online world and it’s wonderful to have the support of an industry which is determined to help keep the internet safe,” Dame Rantzen said.
“The money the information security and risk industry have raised will help us be there for more young people, some of whom are in desperate need of our help.”
The evening began with a Champaign reception followed by a three-course dinner and music from live band The Phat Cats. There were also various fundraisers including a silent auction, raffle, pledge and live auction, hosted on stage in typically entertaining style by Clive Room, committee chair.
“Each year the White Hat Ball raises an amazing amount of money for a cause we are deeply passionate about,” Room said. “Thanks to all of those involved in making it happen, our sponsors and those who attended, donated and gave so generously.”
“I’m extremely proud to be part of an industry which has made such a difference to so many young lives over the past 13 years.”
Eleanor Dallaway, editor and publisher, Infosecurity Magazine, added:
“The White Ball has always been a fantastic occasion, but this year it really was one of the best I’ve been to! It’s so heartening to see so many well-known industry faces coming together for such a worthy cause and to support a charity that does such important work for so many children.”