Althorp House, and guests with Northampton Hope Centre representatives at last year’s inaugural Gala Dinner.

Earl Spencer has generously donated the use of Althorp House to host a 40th anniversary fund-raising dinner in aid of Northampton Hope Centre, the leading charity for homeless and vulnerable people.

The event will act as the organisation’s most ambitious fundraising activity to date, and will take place at Althorp House on Saturday 22^nd March 2014.

Earl Spencer, Patron of the Hope Centre since July 2011, will attend the evening along with more than 100 regional business leaders, politicians, philanthropists and the University of Northampton, one of the evening’s main supporters.

Adrian Pryce, Chair of the Northampton Hope Centre, explains:

“Every day the Hope Centre helps over 100 homeless and vulnerable people, providing vital support that includes hot meals, clothing and skills-training, along with innovative ‘pathways to employment’ programmes.

“In the face of welfare reforms, some of the worst weather ever witnessed at the beginning of 2014, increases in the cost-of-living and demands on food-banks growing nationwide, our helping-hand approach has never been so important.

“Our fundraising target for the financial year is £345,000. This will not only ensure we continue our current services, but will also allow us to further develop healthcare, training and social programmes, as well as structured one-to-one support for those who have no other assistance.

“The event has drawn the attention of local business leaders who would like to work with an innovative charity to raise both their social profile and impact.”

The black tie occasion at Althorp House will be held in the prestigious State Dining Room, with dinner courtesy of Michelin Star Chef, Adam Gray, and accompanying entertainment by Fiori Musicali, one of the UK’s top providers of baroque and classical music. A grand auction of items and experiences with a distinctively Northamptonshire theme will also take place.

Adrian Pryce continues:

“Following high demand for tickets to this event, I’m delighted to announce that we have been able to make two further tables available for an additional 20 guests. Please contact our event organisers urgently to secure your place in support of this very worthy cause.”

Remaining VIP tickets for the Northampton Hope Centre’s Gala Dinner at Althorp House on Saturday 22 March, 2014, can be booked at a cost of £120 per person, or £950 for a table of 10. Please contact 0845 052 9601, or email kevin@cjsevents.co.uk