De Vere announces charity partners for inaugural Gala Dinner
De Vere, a collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels and event destinations, has announced its charity partners for its first annual Charity Gala Dinner, hosted at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden on Thursday 3rd July 2025.
The event aims to raise money for three UK-based charities; the British Heart Foundation, a movement committed to lifesaving research on heart health, Hospitality Action, an organisation dedicated to supporting hospitality workers in need, and the Willow Foundation, a charity that organises bespoke experiences for young adults dealing with life-threatening and life-limiting diseases.
The evening will feature an auction showcasing a unique line-up of items and experiences, aiming to raise both awareness and crucial funds that will go directly to support the charities’ work.
The event will be hosted in De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms’ iconic Grand Hall, a remarkable space with beautiful ornate high ceilings, detailed wood-panelling and soaring chandeliers which can host up to 1,500 guests for a drink’s reception or 540 for a banquet.
Laurie Nicol & Alan Corlett, Co-CEOs at De Vere, commented: “We are incredibly proud to host De Vere’s first Charity Gala Dinner in support of three remarkable organisations whose work transforms lives every day. This event is more than an evening of celebration—it’s a commitment to giving back and making a tangible difference in the communities we serve. By bringing together our guests, partners, and team, we hope to shine a light on these inspiring causes and raise vital funds to support their missions.”
Teresa Hicks, Director of Philanthropy, Corporate and Community Fundraising at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It’s an honour to be chosen as one of the partners for De Vere’s first ever charity gala. Far too many of us have felt the pain of losing someone we love to cardiovascular disease, the world’s biggest killer. With the support of organisations like De Vere, British Heart Foundation will be able to power groundbreaking research to save and improve lives. Ultimately bringing us closer to the day that everyone has a healthier heart for longer.”
Mark Lewis, CEO of Hospitality Action, said: “Not only is De Vere’s first annual Charity Gala Dinner going to be a spectacular evening, but the funds raised will go towards transforming the lives of hospitality workers who have fallen on hard times. At Hospitality Action, we are there to wrap our arms around those in our industry facing hardship. We support hospitality workers facing mental health issues, financial worries, addiction and more. The funds raised through this event will enable us to continue our important work and support with the essential items we all take for granted - whether that be providing a washing machine to a struggling family or helping get a young person out of rental arrears. De Vere’s charitable nomination is nothing short of admirable, and we look forward to continuing this partnership into the future.”
Jonathan Aves, CEO of Willow Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be participating in the very first De Vere Charity Gala Ball and wish the team every success. De Vere are long-term partners of Willow and their support has been instrumental in helping so many families create magical memories together over the years.”
This event is part of the hotel group’s wider ESG efforts. In 2024, De Vere donated over 2,000 hours of volunteering to continue developing valued relationships within the local community. Over 100 colleagues across De Vere’s properties, as well as its central support team, volunteered at local charity partners, whilst many also chose to engage with local community projects such as litter picking, garden maintenance and within local care homes.