100 Women in Hedge Funds (100WHF) has participated in London Stock Exchange’s market open ceremony with SkillForce, the 2016 beneficiary of 100WHF’s UK philanthropic initiatives.
The market open was attended by 100WHF members and guests including Amanda Pullinger, CEO of 100WHF and Ben Slade, CEO of SkillForce. It was followed by an inspiring talk by Ashley Best-White, Headteacher of White Woman Lane Junior School in Norwich, and Executive Headteacher of the Nebula partnership of schools.
SkillForce is a national education and veterans charity dedicated to helping young people flourish through motivational mentoring and education programmes, for five- to nineteen-year-olds, delivered mostly by ex-services personnel. Their mission is to help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in education, work and life, drawing upon the military experience and the values of their staff.
100WHF has a strong track record of supporting charities and has raised more than USD38 million (gross total) for philanthropic causes in the areas of women’s and family health, education and mentoring. The organisation is planning a number of fundraising events to benefit SkillForce during 2016, culminating with the 100 Women in Hedge Funds London Gala to be held on 10 October 2016 at Middle Temple Hall, London. Registration for the 2016 London Gala is now open.
The Duke of Cambridge first became patron of 100WHF’s philanthropic initiatives in 2009 and in 2012, The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined the Duke in becoming patrons. 100 Women in Hedge Funds’ partnership with the Charities Forum of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry has been renewed.
Ben Slade, CEO of SkillForce, says: “This fantastic support from 100 Women in Hedge Funds will transform young people’s lives by enabling SkillForce to deliver more motivational mentoring and education programmes that develop self-confidence, resilience and character, and prepare them for their next steps in education, work or training.”
Amanda Pullinger (pictured), Chief Executive of 100WHF, says: “We are delighted to launch our year of mentoring and our partnership with SkillForce in 2016 by participating in the iconic market open ceremony at the London Stock Exchange. 100WHF is proud to support the work of SkillForce with its outstanding record of helping children and young people through their mentoring and education programmes. We are grateful to the London Stock Exchange for hosting us for this special market open ceremony today.”