Penny Black’s Social Diary: Benefact Group’s heroes; Polaris’s sliders

Charity heroes

If you’re going to host an awards ceremony, you might as well do it somewhere with a bit of history. 

Benefact Group, Ecclesiastical’s parent company, chose the Tower of London for its second annual Charity Heroes Awards, which seems fitting given the fact that it insures the building.

The event honoured 21 charities across seven categories and featured a speech from solo adventurer and professional cyclist Annasley Park, with Dr Andy Cope of The Art of Brilliance hosting proceedings.

What caught my attention, though, was Paul Lynes, Benefact Group’s development and communications director, sharing feedback from one charity leader about what makes these awards different: no charging for tables, help with travel expenses, and an atmosphere that actually feels supportive rather than transactional.

In an industry not exactly short on black-tie dinners and gala events, it’s refreshing to see one designed around the charities themselves rather than the brief mention in the opening speech they often get.

Penny’s Lunch Box

The sliders and pigs in a blanket at Polaris’s Christmas party were the star of the show for the hungry crowd.

Industry tip for any newcomers: having an event between 12pm and 5pm means many will debate skipping lunch or having a small meal in anticipation of the free food you have on offer. Be sure not to disappoint. Four stars.