PRINCE’S TRUST CALLS ON FINANCIAL COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT A MILLION YOUNG UNEMPLOYED
The Prince of Wales to attend annual Prince’s Trust Invest in Futures Gala Dinner supported by
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
HRH The Prince of Wales will join Michael McIntyre, Jools Holland, Alison Moyet and Lulu to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust on 23rd February, at one of the most important events in the youth charity’s calendar.
The annual Invest in Futures Gala Dinner, supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, will encourage the financial community to show its support for more than a million young people struggling with record-breaking levels of youth unemployment.
Hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre and with entertainment provided by Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, the Invest in Futures Gala Dinner is attended by hedge fund leaders and global financers from across the globe and unites the financial services industry to invest in disadvantaged young people, helping them become economically active.
Held annually at a central London location, the exclusive dinner and auction have helped to raise £12.5m for the youth charity since 2005, giving tens of thousands of disadvantaged young people the skills, confidence and motivation to move into work. The 2012 event will raise vital funds for The Trust’s work at a time when youth unemployment is at its highest level since records began in 1992.
Raising £1m, last year’s Invest in Futures Gala Dinner at the capital’s Natural History Museum was attended by Prince’s Trust supporters Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Joan Collins and Kate Adie. Guests enjoyed an evening of first-class entertainment provided by soul legend Dionne Warwick and the fundraiser’s host, Clive Anderson.
Julian Barrell, Director of Fundraising at The Prince’s Trust, said: “With more than a million 16-to-24-year-olds out of work, it is critical to ensure that every young person, no matter what their background, is provided with the support they need and deserve to find a job. The support of the financial community at one of the most important fundraisers in The Prince’s Trust calendar is vital to help us raise the funds we need to change 50,000 young lives this year.”
Jonathan Moulds, President Europe, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and CEO of Merrill Lynch International added: “By investing time, resources and skills into the education of today’s youth, we are helping young people to become prepared and skilled for gainful employment. At Bank of America Merrill Lynch, we take our community commitment very seriously. Education is a priority for thriving economies and we have a range of projects that invest in young people, including our successful Financial Education & Employability programme which is supported by over 300 bank volunteers and reaches over 2,000 students each year.
We are pleased to support The Prince’s Trust Invest in Futures Gala Dinner. We strongly believe that in today’s employment market, it is more important than ever to balance young people’s education with business acumen and financial literacy – education is a necessity for building a better future.”
