Cork Simon Community’s Annual Fundraising Ball is set to raise vital funds to support men and women affected by homelessness as the charity experiences unprecedented demand for its services.
Cork Simon supported almost 1,500 people during 2023 with the numbers showing no signs of decreasing this year. Cork Simon is meeting more people than ever before who are sleeping rough, with record numbers of people relying on emergency accommodation.
The Annual Fundraising Ball takes place at Fota Island Resort on Friday, May 10th, 2024 and is the organisation’s most important fundraising event of the year. The ball has raised €1.5 million since it was first launched in 2000, demonstrating what can be achieved when the business community works together for a common cause, helping to make Cork a better place.
The event is organised by a voluntary committee made up of local business leaders and is sponsored by a host of Cork-based companies with HEINEKEN Ireland as the lead sponsor. This means that every euro raised at the Ball goes to where it’s needed most, ensuring Cork Simon can provide much needed services for people experiencing homelessness.
Orla Joyce, Head of Legal from HEINEKEN Ireland said, “HEINEKEN Ireland is very proud to have been involved in the Ball since its inception as this event is of critical importance in raising much needed funds to support Cork Simon who work in solidarity with homeless men and women, offering housing and support in their journey back to independent living. HEINEKEN Ireland’s long-established support of Cork Simon is a true reflection of our commitment to Cork, since we were founded in Blackpool over 167 years ago by James J Murphy, and we share a mutual value for people and community which we see delivered through the work of Cork Simon on a daily basis.”
Dermot Kavanagh, CEO of Cork Simon Community added, “This is our most important fundraising event each year, raising €1.5 million since it started in 2000. But our partnership with HEINEKEN Ireland and the wider business community is much more than a financial contribution, it is a mutual understanding of how we can work together towards making Cork a better place – a partnership in every sense. Leadership underpins our Annual Fundraising Ball, creating a culture of effective partnership. A voluntary committee of key business leaders here in Cork comes together each year to organise the Ball. Home grown and multinational companies alike are consistent supporters. It’s a sell-out every year. That means we can be there every time someone knocks on our door looking for help when there’s nowhere else to turn. That’s real belief in people. That’s Cork at its very best.”
