basis.point Annual Spring Lunch 2019

Minister of State Michael D’Arcy TD, was amongst the four hundred and fifty investment fund industry professionals who joined us once again to support basis.point in the Round Room of the Mansion House for our Annual Spring Lunch.

(L-R) Finnian Daly, Minister Michael D’Arcy, Billy Fitzpatrick, Chairperson Clive Bellows

But it was the two young boys from The Patrician Academy School in Cork who stole the show this year when they took to the podium to explain to the audience the impact that their participation in the Foroige NFTE programme was having. It was motivating to hear first-hand how basis.point’s financial support can influence young people’s lives and help children from different backgrounds aspire to careers in business.

“No one can hold us back” the boys enthused as they recounted their learnings from participating in the NFTE programme.

Commenting after the event, Minister of State said:

It is inspiring to see the difference the Funds Industry can make, by coming together to support children in disadvantaged circumstances. It is important to shine a spotlight on such joined up giving and corporate social responsibility

Clive Bellows, Chairperson of basis.point, warmly welcomed the Minister and guests and shared highlights of the year along with a video update of the ongoing work with our charity partners.

Addressing the issue of continued growth, Clive Bellows noted “As we become more experienced and gain a deeper understanding of both where the need is greatest and where we can have the highest impact, we have been able, not only to expand the geographic reach of proven initiatives but also to work together on some truly ground breaking initiatives. Most notable of which are our current partner programmes, coding initiatives with RBC and pre-school early learning intervention with BNP Paribas, where we have adapted a programme specifically to meet the needs of vulnerable families living in homelessness”.

One last thing remained to be done before the auction and return of the infamous Sean Buckley, which was to thank John Hancock for offering us a Charity Bib and to congratulate Richard Day for his trojan fundraising effort and personal commitment in running the Boston Marathon. The first ever solo fundraising endeavor on behalf of basis.point, Richard has set a high benchmark, raising in excess of €56,700.

The funds raised will enable basis.point to continue to make a sustainable and meaningful difference to the lives of children challenged by emotional and physical disadvantage, by supporting our six partner charities focusing on education.

And finally, with his usual natural flare and comic ease, Auctioneer, Sean Buckley rallied the audience and raised over €8,000 from a lively contested auction including the headline items of 2 Centre Court tickets for Wimbledon’s Ladies Semi Final, Rod Stewart and Ireland v Scotland 6 Nation tickets.

Inspired by our Cork visitors many guests visited our supporter table and expressed their interest in becoming an active supporter. As ever there was plenty of fun to be had. Good food and good company in the Round Room of the Mansion House…a heady combination.

Thanks go to all those who attended, donated and supported the event and in particular to the basis.point Volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the Spring Lunch the great success it was.