The Gala, held in association with AFC Wimbledon, took place at Bank of England Sports Centre in central London. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and entertainment throughout the night. X Factor winner and chart topper, Alexandra Burke, headlined on the evening. Marcus Collins, Paul Zerdin, Stavros Flatley and The Jack Pack also performed.
Hosted by former Eastender’s Actor, Shan Williamson, the highly anticipated annual Paul Strank Charitable Trust Gala took place on Saturday 22 September. Guests at this inspirational Charity Gala included Danny Dyer, Kelly Brook, Georgia Toffolo, Jessica Wright, Danny-Boy Hatchard, Frank Bruno, Kerry Katona, Chloe Sims, Jake Wood, Shayne Ward and Gemma Oaten.
The Gala raised money for the Paul Strank Charitable Trust, a Wimbledon-based grant-making charity, which supports a wide range of local charities including the AFC Wimbledon Foundation. Other great causes that the evening raised money for included Shooting Star Chase Children's Hospice, The Commonside Trust and Carer’s Support Merton.
Through their drive and passion for helping others, it is estimated that the Paul and Irene Strank have raised, donated or sponsored more than £2.5m for charity and the community over the past 30 years. The Paul Strank Charitable Trust has now been set up enable their fundraising to climb to new heights.
Paul said: “Our focus has always been on the most disadvantaged in our community with a particular emphasis on helping children in need and their families so we’re thrilled to be hosting our 8th annual gala in association with AFC Wimbledon, raising money for the Paul Strank Charitable Trust - a grant making charity which will continue this ethos in providing vital funding and support to those most in need of our compassion and help.”
There are thousands of amazing causes of all types, but the aim of the Trust is to maximise the effect that Paul and Irene’s fundraising has on the local community. This is done by carefully selecting those charities and projects which are most true to the Trust’s objectives and their hearts. The Trust then provides support including granting funds and generating publicity to enable long-term sustainability for the charities, so they can continue their essential work.