A financier who helped establish his US liquidation firm as a global leader before retiring to devote his life to philanthropy was guest of honour at Norwood’s sixth annual Distressed Investing Dinner, which raised more than £141,000.
Bobby Sager, former partner and president of Gordon Brothers Group and founder of the Sager Family Traveling Foundation and Roadshow, was joined by over 200 industry experts at the event at Claridge’s in Mayfair on Monday night. The Norwood Distressed Investing Dinner, kindly sponsored by Gordon Brothers Ltd, raises vital funds for the Charity’s work with people with learning disabilities, and children and families in need, and is a key event in the industry calendar.
Since founding his charitable organisation in 2000, Bobby Sager, who counts rock star Sting among his close friends, has travelled the world with his wife and children and has applied his entrepreneurial skills to impact areas of conflict and crisis including Rwanda, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. His many achievements include the establishment of the YPO Peace Action Network, an organisation which assembles leaders from different areas of conflict who work together to create insights and actions to aid resolution.
He told guests: “The skills we have in Distressed Investing, to get the deal done and make it happen, are normally very lacking in the NGO and governmental community. Making a difference cannot be left to governments and big organisations. We have to play an important part by making ourselves the currency, by taking the entrepreneurial skill set, applying it to these situations and being very demanding about results. The return we get is not only the impact it has on other people but also on ourselves. Therefore it is okay to be selfish in helping others.”
He also praised Norwood and its work, adding: “What is great is that the people who are assisted by Norwood, by wanting to make their lives better and by refusing to let it be, are inspirational to people who do not have a disability and have a catalysing role.”
Adam Plainer, Distressed Investing Dinner Committee Co-Chair, said: “This year’s Distressed Investing Dinner has been another success and I would like to thank our sponsors, Gordon Brothers Ltd, our guest speaker, Bobby Sager, and all our guests, for helping to ensure that Norwood can continue to provide a safety net to some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“I hope Bobby would agree that this event is one of the ways in which the Distressed Investing community is playing its part in helping to make a difference to the lives of thousands of people who need the life-changing support that Norwood provides.”
