The culture of giving and the generosity of Bacta and its members was much in evidence at the ACOS Networking Event when the indomitable Sonia Meaden, who was responsible for establishing the Bacta Charitable Trust, presented a cheque for a whopping £50,000 to charity partner, Rays of Sunshine.
Bacta used the 2024 edition of ACOS to mark its 50th birthday celebrations and recognise the people and businesses who have played such an important role in the trade association’s success in promoting and protecting the business interests of its members.
After serving-up a ‘slice of cake and a glass of fizz’ to members on the show floor, attention switched to the famous ACOS Networking Event held at The Prince on Lillie Road where former Bacta President and founder of the Bacta Charitable Trust, Sonia Meaden OBE presented a cheque for £50,000 to Bacta’s charity partner Rays of Sunshine (ROS).
The cheque, was received by Charlie, a Rays of Sunshine Ambassador who was the recipient of an ROS ‘Wish’ as a teenager and spoke movingly about the impact it had.
Reflecting on the evening which took the total raised by the Bacta Charitable Trust on behalf of Rays of Sunshine to in excess of £750,000 Amy Chambers, ROS Fundraising & Communications Director reached out to Steve Hawkins President of the Charitable Trust stating: “I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible support at the Bacta ACOS Reception.
“Thanks to your generosity, not only did you donate an astounding £50,000 to Rays of Sunshine, Steve, you were incredible with your efforts to achieve the on the night pledges for the wishes, raising a further £8,000. I could see how much it meant to you and I just wanted to say a big thank you.
“So many brave and deserving young children, just like Charlie, will have their wish granted consequently. Your contributions will go a long way in helping us grant magical wishes for seriously ill children and their families, bringing hope and joy in some of the most challenging times.
“The success of last night is a testament to the power of community and the love for Rays of Sunshine amongst Bacta, and its members. We are truly grateful for your commitment to our cause. Thank you for standing with us and helping to create life-changing moments for the children we support.”
