A record-breaking £198,000 was raised for Childline at the annual White Hat Ball last Friday, 27 January, eclipsing the £160,000 raised at the event last year.
Held at the lavish Lancaster London Hotel the Ball, now a major occasion in the information risk and security industry, is in its 12th year and has generated more than £1.2 million for the NSPCC’s Childline service thus far.
The night, hosted by broadcaster and journalist Fiona Phillips, was attended by 630 industry guests, as well as guest of honor Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen and, of course, the Infosecurity team – all of whom had a fantastic time at an evening packed with various fundraisers including a silent auction, raffle, pledge and live auction conducted by the charismatic Chairman of this year's White Hat Ball committee Clive Room.
"Yet again the White Hat Ball has raised 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 12 years.”
With more and more young people turning to Childline for help about issues they are encountering online the support given to the charity by the infosecurity industry has never been more relevant. Last year there were 11,253 Childline counselling sessions carried out with children and young people about online issues such as sexual abuse, bullying and safety.
Childline president, Dame Esther Rantzen, added: “I'd like to say a huge thank you to Clive, the White Hat Ball committee and the information security and risk industry for their support over the last 12 years. The money they've raised will help to make sure we can be there for every young person when they need us the most.
“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 keep the internet safe.”