DERBY County Community Trust – the charitable arm of the Championship club – is hoping that the Rams’ promotion will be a welcome boost to the services it offers across the city and county.
The Trust, which has been in operation since the mid-90s and officially became a charity in 2008, runs more than 40 projects that aims to improve lives and communities.
Catering for those between the ages of two to 96, these projects include supporting children to take part in physical activity, older adults to reduce their risk of social isolation and ensuring members of the disabled communities are provided with opportunities to play sport.
The Trust also organises an annual trip to the slums of Nakuru, Kenya where volunteers complete various projects such as building new classrooms and improving sanitation to make life better for children in its five partner schools.
Its biggest fundraisers are the Derby 10K and the Black and White Fundraising Ball, which will return after raising £26,000 last year.
Pete Collins, Business Development Manager at Derby County Community Trust, is hoping that this year’s event will be just as popular.
It will take place on Thursday, July 11th at Osmaston Park in Ashbourne and, once again, Clowes Developments – the property development business run by Rams owner David Clowes – will be the headline sponsors.
“The Black And White Fundraising Ball will be a chance for supporters, businesses and organisations to come together to celebrate the Rams’ promotion back to the Championship, and to also shine a spotlight on the diverse array of projects run by the Trust,” said Pete Collins.
“Throughout the night, guests will have the chance to hear directly from individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by the invaluable work of Derby County Community Trust.
“From supporting children and youth in managing their mental wellbeing, to aiding individuals in their journey of recovery from substance and alcohol misuse, to providing inclusive sporting opportunities for those with disabilities, and even opening up career pathways for teenagers not currently in education, employment or training, the Trust’s wide-ranging projects will be brought to life on the evening.”
They include people like Andy Nichols who has raised more than £1,000 for the Trust by taking part in a sponsored walk through Derby city.
Andy signed up to Derby County Community Trust’s Team Talk project in 2021 after struggling with his mental health throughout the pandemic.
Others to have been supported by the Trust include Sam Redfern, who the charity named their Education Champion for 2023.
Derby County first-team manager Paul Warne and his players have praised the work done by the Trust, whilst David Clowes said that as owner of Clowes Developments, it is a privilege to be involved with the charity.
He said: “Last year was an enormous success and it’s an honour to be involved in the event again this year, which we hope will raise further essential funding for Derby County Community Trust.
“The Trust is a special organisation that benefits so many people within our community and it’s a privilege for us to be helping out, especially in our 60th year of business, supporting charities and local initiatives has always been a focus for the group.”
For further information and to book tickets, visit derbycountycommunitytrust.com/black-and-white-ball
This story was written by Kerry Ganly on behalf of Penguin PR. Can we help you to raise the profile of your business or organisation? Get in touch!
