BBC Creative Director Alan Yentob was the guest of honour at a cocktail party organised by Norwood in recognition of the on-going commitment and generosity of its YN Patrons. Around 100 young Norwood supporters attended last night’s event at the prestigious Audi showroom in Piccadilly.
YN has grown steadily since its establishment 16 years ago and it is a crucial part of Norwood’s fundraising programme. Since last year’s reception, YN supporters have helped the Charity to raise an amazing £250,000 through their activities. Norwood has also welcomed 60 new YN Patrons and Friends, while more than 200 others have renewed their support.
Bernie Myers, Chairman of Norwood, thanked the assembled YN Patrons for their continued loyalty to the Charity. “Quite simply, without your commitment and dedication, Norwood would not be able to function in the way that the Community expects and needs,” he said. “I hope you will all continue to play an active role in the future of this incredible organisation for years to come.”
They also heard from Michael Kuperberg, who last year was supported by Norwood into paid employment at its Deli in Hendon. “Norwood has been fantastic and I cannot thank them enough,” said Michael, who is also currently training for the upcoming Norwood international bike ride in Thailand. “They’ve given me a new lease of life and made me believe in myself.”
Speaking to guests, Alan Yentob reflected on a career at the BBC which spans over four decades and spoke about the importance of creativity and innovation in all industries. He also entertained the audience by reading from his 1968 BBC job application. “The opening paragraph says – Although possibly not a significant qualification for entry to the BBC, my dramatic debut at the age of nine as Mistress Page in the Merry Wives of Windsor was greeted by a gratifying critique from one of my contemporaries, ‘You ought to be a film star because you’ve got smashing legs’. Today, I’m Creative Director of the BBC, so you can see that the BBC has a sense of humour!”
Praising Norwood, he later said: “Norwood’s values and its belief in supporting others and providing the kind of nurturing that gives them fulfilling lives, is tremendous. It is a long tradition and Norwood is a great institution. Also, the way it has managed to bring a new generation of enthusiasts to carry the torch is a sign of the vitality of the organisation and I’m delighted to come along and wave the flag for Norwood.”
Last week, Norwood announced the appointment of Yonni Abramson as its new YN Patronage Chair, as part of a continuing effort to attract younger donors to the Charity. YN also offers professional and social networking events to young people aged between 21 and 35 and has many committees that fundraise on behalf of Norwood including YN Business, Finance and Entrepreneurs; YN Lawyers, YN Current Affairs; YN Property; YN Sport and YN Media.
For more information on becoming a YN Patron or Friend, to find out more about committees and events, or to arrange a visit at Norwood’s services, visit www.norwood.org.uk/yn or contact Nicola Graham, YN Manager, on 020 8420 6804 or e-mail nicola.graham@norwood.org.uk
