Brenda Cooper, Director Horner APG, Maureen Forrest, Hon.Director, The Hope Foundation, Michael O’ Flynn – Chairman and CEO of the O’Flynn Group
This wonderful lunch is one of HOPE’s flagship annual events and an important fundraiser for the organisation. In operation since 1999, for nineteen years The Hope Foundation has worked tirelessly to support street and slum children in Kolkata, along with their families and communities.
This year the lunch is very kindly sponsored by the O’Flynn Group and Horner APG. The funds raised will go to HOPE’s projects working with the street and slum children of Kolkata.
HOPE are also working with our young people here in Cork and all over Ireland through their Transition Year Immersion Programme, which is the brainchild of HOPE founder and Hon. Director Maureen Forrest. In a world where young people can watch the news channels and often feel helpless, this programme gives them the chance to bring about real change; it empowers them in a way that stays with them for the rest of their lives. Since the programme began in 2003, over 3000 students have fundraised for HOPE and then travelled out to Kolkata to see first-hand how their money is utilised on the ground.
This year all at HOPE are very honoured to welcome household name Brendan Courtney as a special guest on the day. Brendan has been a long term supporter of HOPE and is asking for as many people as possible to come and join him at the beautiful Maryborough. Speaking about the event Brendan said: “I am delighted to be back in Cork for the day to lend my support. HOPE are doing fantastic work both in Kolkata and at home here in Ireland through the Transition Immersion Programme with our own young people in secondary schools. I would absolutely love for as many people as possible to join us for a brilliant Friday afternoon on September 21st”.
Experts from the worlds of fashion and beauty will be on hand and guests can enjoy browsing through the exhibition stands during the reception and take the opportunity to catch up with friends, both old and new. Well known Cork Blogger Louise O’Connell will judge the best dressed on the day.
Speaking at the launch of the fundraising event at the luxurious surroundings of The Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Operations Manager and group CEO, Brenda Cooper of the European Headquarters, Horner APG spoke about their motivation to come onboard as a sponsor this year: “We are delighted to have been supporting HOPE for a number of years. The Hope Foundation do amazing work with the most underprivileged children in Kolkata. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to this wonderful lunch September 21st which raises much needed funds for their incredible work”.
Michael O’Flynn, Chairman and CEO, O’Flynn Group, also attended the launch and said: “The Hope Foundation are doing incredible work in Kolkata and at home here in Cork with our young people through their Transition Year Immmersion Programme. We are very proud to support this fantastic annual event at The Maryborough and I am encouraging everyone to come along and join us for a wonderful lunch”.
The lunch will begin with a prosecco reception at 12pm, followed by an elegant three course lunch with wine, and a gift bag for all guests including superb table prizes and is a guaranteed wonderful day out for all attendees.
Tickets for the event are €65 and are limited. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the sponsors, proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit the street and slum dwelling children of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
For more information on the event or to book a ticket or a table please contact Sharon on 021 4292990 sharon@hopefoundation.ie Alternatively, you can book online at www.hopeshop.ie
