Nominations open for the Wessex region’s only ‘Charity Oscars’

Date

March 08, 2010

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Cast your votes now!

Building on the success of last year’s memorable event, nominations are now invited for the prestigious Wessex Charity Awards 2010, regionally acclaimed as the “Charity Oscars”.

From 1 March until 30 April, members of the public and charities can nominate their favourite charity or voluntary organisation for awards in 5 categories: Charity of the Year, Chief Executive of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Fundraising Team of the Year and Trustee Board of the Year.  The awards are open to organisations, large and small, operating in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, West Sussex, West Surrey and Wiltshire.

This is an exceptional opportunity for charities to showcase their work across the region and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their staff and volunteers.  The glittering Gala Reception and Dinner for 300 people will take place on Thursday 30 September 2010 in The Guildhall, Winchester, when the winners of the 5 categories will be presented with their awards. Debbie Thrower, the popular TV presenter, will host the evening.

“To nominate your favourite charity, a friend who works for a charity or a work colleague for one of these prestigious Awards, you just need to go to www.wessexcharityawards.co.uk and complete the nomination forms,” said Marilyn Morris, Awards Coordinator.

The highly experienced judging panel will be Hampshire resident, Judith Rich OBE, whose national appointments include serving as a Vice-President of Diabetes UK and REACH; Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations;  Martin Edwards Chief Executive of Julia’s House and currently Wessex Charity Awards Chief Executive of the Year; Virginia Lovell, Chief President of St John Ambulance, Stephen Pidgeon, Chairman of Tangible Response.

Jenny Warner, Managing Director of PAS Charity Recruitment, who are organising the Awards, said “With all the fantastic work being done by charities, not-for–profit organisations and individuals in the Wessex region, we decided that the dedication of these people needed to be publicly acknowledged.  Their efforts frequently go unrecognised and the Wessex Charity Awards provide a great opportunity for their talents and commitment to be rewarded.

To nominate an organisation or an individual, visit www.wessexcharityawards.co.uk.  Nominations close on 30 April 2010 and the short list of finalists will be announced in July 2010.

Of last year’s awards, Alison Thompson, Chair of Emmaus Hampshire, who won Fundraising Team of the Year, said: “Winning the Fundraising Team of the Year award was the icing on the cake for Emmaus Hampshire after two intense and exciting years raising the funds to build our new Community. The wonderful Awards evening gave us the opportunity to celebrate all the hard work within our own team it was also the perfect platform to raise awareness of Emmaus.”