Corporate Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Collaboration.
In the hallowed rooms of the Royal Honorary Kings Inns, corporate leaders gathered to celebrate 10 years of collaboration that has improved educational outcomes for over 40,000 young people. And befitting of the occasion, we were treated to a display of youthful drive, determination and achievement that was truly inspirational.
Edel O’Malley, CEO of basis. point took the opportunity to thank invited industry leaders, for having the vision to engage whilst the charity was still in its infant stage. Now 10 years on, as a community we have raised and committed over €6 million towards education.
A moment of reflection afforded Clive Bellows the opportunity to remember Paul McNaughton, a very special friend and esteemed Board Director, who sadly is no longer with us.
Paul was one of the early ambassadors for basis.point. In recognition of the important role that he played in shaping the charity, Clive announced a new Paul McNaughton Award to be presented annually to someone who makes an outstanding contribution towards creating brighter futures for young people.
The evening kicked off with an entertaining and thought-provoking fireside chat between Bernard Brogan and Rachael Blackmore, two Irish sporting legends. Central to both of their sporting lives and personal fulfilment was a sense of joy and happiness coupled with hard work and discipline.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of our efforts. Rachael’s achievements in horse racing, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, makes her an ideal role model and exemplifies much of what we hope to achieve.
Our raison d’etre at basis.point is to create brighter futures for young people no matter their background. Laura Pietrzak, Teen Turn Alumni, 18 years of age, brought this to life and spoke with the poise and confidence of a leader in industry.
Laura was introduced to Teen-Turn, through Mount Carmel Secondary School, an inner city DEIS school and is now a passionate Teen-Turn Ambassador who mentors younger girls and encourages them to pursue careers in STEM related sectors.
The evening concluded with a wonderful performance from tenor Sean Testor, scholarship student at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, whose powerful tones filled the room and left us believing in the possible.
We would like to sincerely thank our lead sponsor Waystone and supporting sponsors Northern Trust and State Street whose generosity allowed us to host such a memorable celebration with our Prestige, Premier and Corporate Patrons.
Thank you also to KPMG for introducing us to Rachael Blackmore, and to Northern Trust for introducing us to The Royal Irish Academy of Music.
A special word of thanks also to Bernard Brogan and Rachael Blackmore for showing their support of basis.point and so generously giving of their time. Thank you also to our young guests, Laura Pietrzak, Ruth O’Hara, Ella Nagy and Sean Testor for showcasing all that is possible and inspiring us to dream big.
A wonderful evening shared with friends and colleagues.
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Picture credits Damien Eagers and Sara Hanley.