INTERLAW DIVERSITY FORUM SUMMER CARNIVAL RAISES OVER £90,000 TO SUPPORT THE ALBERT KENNEDY TRUST AND THE ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION
One of the legal industry’s key diversity organisations, the InterLaw Diversity Forum, has announced that it raised £95,841 at its Summer Carnival hosted by British fashion consultant, author, television presenter, actor, DJ, and chef Gok Wan MBE with a performance by multi-Brit Award nominated band Blue.
The money was raised by the InterLaw Diversity Forum through sponsorship, ticket sales, drinks, luxury lucky dip envelopes, auctions, and in-kind donations. The event was in support of the Albert Kennedy Trust (akt), supporting their vital work with homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth in the UK; and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), supporting their vital work fighting HIV and AIDS in the UK and around the globe.
The Summer Carnival featured a performance by Blue, who are releasing a new album ‘’Heart & Soul’’ with an eponymous tour later this year, along with beats from epic DJs Smokin’ Jo (DJ Magazine #1 DJ Award Winner), Jonbers (RuPaul’s Drag Race), and host Gok Wan.
Quotes:
We are delighted to have the continued and generous support of the InterLaw Diversity Forum again this year. Through the years, this long-running partnership has allowed akt to expand and innovate our services to ensure that we can provide safe accommodation and support to young LGBTQ+ young people no matter where they are located or when they need us. This year’s donation will further our efforts to support young LGBTQ+ people impacted by the cost-of-living crisis to provide preventative measures to those facing rent insecurity and/or food and fuel poverty.
— Carrie Reiners, Deputy CEO, akt
What a pleasure to join this fantastic evening and a privilege to be chosen as a beneficiary by the InterLaw Diversity Forum. It was heart-warming to see so much passion and commitment from hosts, sponsors and guests for our work in reaching the most marginalised at risk of HIV. These funds will help us continue to push for a world where no one gets left behind in the fight against AIDS.
— Anne Aslett CEO, Elton John AIDS Foundation
Me and the boys from Blue had a spectacular time performing at the Summer Carnival supporting two charities that are very close to our hearts. Having attended and hosted the InterLaw Diversity Forum Winter Carnival in the past, it’s great to see this event developing into a really fun summer extravaganza! Can’t wait for the next one!
— Duncan James (Singer & Actor), Blue
I’m so grateful to my friend Gok Wan for hosting such an incredible evening, and of course to Blue for bringing down the house with an electrifying performance. Most of all, I’m thankful to all who sponsored, supported, and attended to ensure that the Albert Kennedy Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation can continue their work to protect some of the most vulnerable in our society.
— Daniel Wintefeldt MBE KC (Hon), Founder & Chair, InterLaw Diversity Forum and General Counsel for EMEA and Asia, Jefferies
The event was generously headline sponsored by Jefferies; generously hosted by Ashurst LLP; and generously supported by Blooming Haus, REN Skincare, Robert Tateossian, Biscuit Boutique, Aquariva Tequila (and founder Cleo Rocos), Skin, Sir Ian McKellen, and the Feeling (and lead singer Dan Gillespie Sells). Our sponsor, host, and supporters allowed us to ensure that all money raised from ticket sales, drink sales, luxury lucky dip envelopes, and our auction item on the night went directly to the akt and the EJAF.
The Summer Carnival builds on the charitable tradition of the InterLaw Diversity Forum’s Winter Carnival, held annually from 2009-2019 at the Club at the Ivy.
The Winter Carnival is a black-tie gala which raises awareness of and funds for growing charities. In its ten years the Winter Carnival raised over £500,000 by the InterLaw Diversity Forum to support the work of the akt; as well as for Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline. The Winter Carnival has had as its event hosts: Ian McKellen, Skin, Alan Carr, Sandi Toksvig, Duncan James, Dustin Lance Black, Tom Daley, and others.
Event photography by Jonathan Phang.
NOTES
About the Albert Kennedy Trust (akt)
The Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the United Kingdom who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.
They support young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities.
The AKT helps young people: stay safe in a crisis; find emergency accommodation; access specialist support; and develop skills, identify and achieve life goals.
About the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)
The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organisations in the world. EJAF’s mission is simple: to be a powerful force in the end to the AIDS epidemic. They are committed to no more discrimination. No more HIV infections. No more AIDS deaths. No matter who or where you are.
EJAF believe AIDS can be beaten. But only if everyone at risk of HIV, no matter who they are or where they are has access to the non-discriminatory HIV information and compassionate care that allows them to stay healthy and safe and live with dignity.
