The glamorous evening held at Atmosphere 28, Millbank Tower on the embankment, involved networking, runway show, awards, entertainment and fundraising and was hosted by President Samantha Grocutt from Essence PR.
Alongside the networking and entertaining, a stunning runway show with the theme ‘Diversity’ was choregraphed on the night. Guest hair artists included Charlie Taylor for Wella Professionals, Charles Worthington for L’Oreal Professional, Tracey Devine-Smith for ASP, and Linnaean Art Team for Goldwell, with nails provided by OPI, lashes from Salon System and makeup from professional salon brand, Delilah Cosmetics.
Charity beneficiaries, hairdresser Katie Barnes and beauty therapist Jodie Keegans also both took to the stage to share their personal experiences on how the charity has been able to support them in their time of need. Awards were also presented on the evening.
The Jeffery Bonn Fundraising Award, in recognition of long-standing charity treasurer and trustee Jeffery who passed away in 2018, was presented to Darrel Starkey-Gettings from Taylor Hair Studio for his passion and ideas for raising funds and awareness. The President’s Award was presented to Toby Dicker from The Chapel for his dedication and support in championing the charity over many years including his 2019 London to Barcelona bike ride that raised over £9,000 for the charity.
The evening also encouraged donations on the night through guest pledges and an interactive Heads & Tail game hosted by ‘hairdresser from hell’ entertainer, Lisa Q Jones, who also amused the audience with her humorous tails of salon life.
“What an evening! The venue with its stunning London skyline that took guests breaths away, our very powerful guest beneficiaries speakers who really helped to explain the great work the charity is doing at the grass roots of helping those in need, to the recognition of our two award winners plus the fun and laughter everyone had raising money on the night, was just wonderful.
It’s very easy to forget that there are many, many people in our industry struggling and it’s important that events like our fundraising ball help to bring that message to the limelight. I want to thank all the committee who volunteer their time to keep the charity front of mind, our sponsors and fundraisers who ensure we can help those who need it and on the night, our guests who really digged deep and championed what it is we are doing for the charity,” concludes Samantha Grocutt, President of Hair & Beauty Charity.
Photo credits: @CaptureCollect
