10 November 2008: The 2008 SHINE Benefit Dinner proved to be a superb night out, with guests generously pledging hundreds of thousands of pounds to four specific projects and towards SHINE’s work more generally.
2008 – The Roundhouse
The dinner was held at the recently-refurbished Roundhouse in Chalk Farm. Once the scene of concerts by legends such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and the Doors, it recently underwent an extensive, £30 million refurbishment and reopened to great acclaim.
The Roundhouse proved to be a fantastic venue for SHINE. After enjoying champagne, cocktails and canapés in the circle, overlooking the fabulous main space, guests moved downstairs for a superb four course meal with fine wines.
Following brief speeches from Jim O’Neill, SHINE’s Chairman, and the Rt. Hon. Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, guests were invited to pledge their support towards four specific SHINE projects:
- The Lyric Theatre’s START Programme
- Brunel Urban Scholars
- SHINE’s Saturday Programmes
- The Crest* Investigators’ Programme
Let’s Dance
Once the business of the evening was concluded, guests were treated to a barnstorming concert by Lulu, with her special guest, Kiki Dee. Their amazing voices had guests dancing around – and even on – the stage during what was certainly one of the most memorable performances to have ever graced a SHINE Benefit Dinner.
2008 – Lulu in concert
The evening was rounded off magnificently by Dan Lywood, who played a selection of classic tracks that ensured plenty of dancers remained on the floor until, very reluctantly, we had to end the evening and allow everybody to go home, tired but happy.
Next year
The 2009 Benefit Dinner marks SHINE’s 10th Anniversary, so there is much to celebrate! After the success this year, we naturally intend to return to the Roundhouse on Thursday 12th November 2009 for what promises to be another amazing evening. If you would like to find out more, please click here or contact SHINE on 020 8393 1880.