What’s in this issue?
- Sarah’s intro
- Fundraising for Cora Harrison
- Chosen Charity for 2025 Gala Dinner
- ITA nominations – extension
- New Member
- Events for Manchester Members
Hello and happy Friday,
I hope you’ve all had a fun and productive week.
It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Summer Party on Tuesday night – I hope everyone had a great time. Big thanks to Alicia for organising it, and to Charlotte and Renate for all their help on the night. Thank you also to the Ellen Hotel, and to Esther Bell for putting us in touch with them.
The ’65’ helium balloons were an especially fab touch, as was the cake, of which there was a fair bit left at the end of the night. Someone suggested that I take some home to my kids, and somehow I ended up with half a bakery. I’ve pretty much been parading the streets of South London with my hair in an elaborate pouf ever since, extravagantly tossing crumbs to the pigeons.
If you’re on the move this week, here’s wishing you safe travels; otherwise, a very happy and relaxing weekend to you.
(I’ve been gossiping with my best mate back home for hours, so I’m sorry I’m late hitting send on this one. Bet your coffee’s gone cold with the anticipation!)
Stay well,
Sarah
Fundraising for Cora Harrison
I’m sad to write that member Cora Harrison (insideoursuitcase.com) is going through an incredibly difficult time, with her 3-year-old son, Oliver, having recently been diagnosed with high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which has, in turn, led to other health issues.
Cora has stopped working and she and her wife, Helen, are taking it in turns to be by Oliver’s bedside, while the other cares for their 10-month-old son, Patrick. Oliver has been in hospital, undergoing chemotherapy, for the past two months and there is no indication as to when he might be able to go home. The emotional, mental and financial strain they are bearing is unimaginable.
Cora and Helen’s friends have set up a fundraiser to support the family through this awful time, and it would be much appreciated if Guild members could donate as generously as they are able.
In addition, the team at FINN partners is holding a charity quiz and raffle at the Mercure Ibis Earl’s Court on the 6th August from 6pm. Some incredible prizes have been donated by their clients and other companies.
To book tickets, please email charityevent@finnpartners.com or, if you can’t attend, click here to buy raffle tickets.
Cora and family, our thoughts are with you.
Chosen Charity for 2025 Gala Dinner
The charity for this year’s Gala dinner is Hope and Homes for Children. Be sure to spread the word to your clients, editors and PRs.
ITA nominations – extension
The cut-off date for ITA nominations has been extended to August 4th, in line with the deadline for the MEA entries. Don’t forget, if your nomination is short-listed, you’ll receive a free ticket to the Gala Dinner.
That being said, don’t hesitate to snaffle your Gala ticket as soon as possible – the ‘cheaper’ seats are selling fast. If you buy a ticket and are later comped one, you’ll be refunded for your original purchase – win/win.
New Member
Please join us in giving a very warm welcome to new member Mergim Ozdamar, and welcoming back Suzy Pope, who is back from maternity leave. We’re delighted to have you both with us!
Events for Manchester Members
A reminder that there’s a meet-up taking place from 6pm until 9pm on 6th August at the Treehouse Hotel, Manchester. Please email Alicia Sheber for more details and to RSVP.
For those wanting to stay overnight, the hotel is offering a media rate.
Also in Manchester, Daniel Stables will be discussing his new book, Fiesta, at House of Books & Friends on 15 August at 6pm.Tickets are £5 or £20 including the book.
