(Left to right): Bishop Peter, Earl Spencer, and Adrian Pryce at Althorp House.

Northampton Hope Centre, the leading charity for homeless and vulnerable people, has raised over £20,000 towards vital running costs following a fundraising dinner [22^nd March, 2014] held at Althorp House to mark the charity’s 40^th anniversary.

The event was supported and attended by Earl Spencer, Patron of the Hope Centre since July 2011, who generously donated the magnificent surroundings of his home in support of the occasion.

Earl Spencer commented:

“I was happy to lend Althorp to the Hope Centre for the evening because I believe very much in the good work that the charity does, and because my family has always used Althorp to support causes in Northampton and Northamptonshire that it believes in.

“It was a very enjoyable evening, and I hope that the sums raised for the Hope Centre have additionally generated a lot of lasting good will.”

Attended by 100 guests, including regional business leaders, philanthropists, politicians, and other supporters of the charity, who were entertained with a performance of 18^th-century Italian music, courtesy of Fiori Musicali, while dinner was prepared by Michelin Star chef Adam Gray.

The Rt Rev Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton, said:

“I’m very proud that the Hope Centre began in 1974 when those in need were invited to Bishop’s House and given free food. Homeless people are amongst the most precious people in our community and I’m thrilled with the work of the charity.”

Hope Centre Vice-Chair Ben Leadsom, added:

“Homelessness is not an easy problem to solve. The Hope Centre is making excellent progress and we’re now looking at further developing the charity’s commercial services through Hope Enterprises.”

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

“This was an amazing occasion and we are so grateful to our Patron, Earl Spencer, for his kind support and the use of Althorp House.

“To raise this amount in one evening is testament to the importance of our work. We would like to thank everyone who attended and the businesses which helped make this event so successful.”

For more information and to find out how you can help support the Northampton Hope Centre: www.northamptonhopecentre.org.uk