THE MAYOR of Reading is hosting a charity auction next month.
Cllr Glenn Dennis has announced he is to host an evening of quizzing and bidding in aid of his chosen charities at Reading Town Hall in May.
Proceeds from the evening will go directly to the mayor’s chosen charities for the year: Reading Community Learning Centre and Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group.
The evening has been supported by local businesses which have donated a number of prizes and auction, including dinner at the Roseate Hotel, a signed Reading FC shirt, lunch at London Street Brasserie, and cinema tickets at Reading Biscuit Factory.
Teams of up to eight people are invited to show off their local and general knowledge.
Reading Community Learning Centre is dedicated to empowering marginalised women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, with programmes to help improve English proficiency, build confidence and secure employment.
Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group offers help to members undergoing diagnosis and treatment for the most common cancer in men in the UK.
Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, said: “I am really looking forward welcoming teams to my charity quiz and silent auction at Reading Town Hall.
“It promises to be an entertaining evening where everyone taking part has an opportunity to win some great prizes, bid for some very special items and enjoy excellent food.
“I would like to thank all the businesses that have generously donated items for the evening which will raise funds for two very deserving local charities.
Aisha Malik, CEO of Reading Community Learning Centre, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor of Reading for supporting the Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) and for helping to raise awareness and crucially vital funds for the continuation of our vital work with marginalised migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women.
“At RCLC, we champion equality and women’s rights, breaking down barriers to learning, integration, wellbeing, and employment.
“It is a true honour to have been chosen for the Mayor’s event–at a time when funding for core costs for small charities has decreased significantly and with women’s and girls’ organisations in the UK receiving just 1.8% of the total £4.1 billion in grants awarded to charities in 2021, such support from the Mayor is crucial to continue our mission.
“We look forward to celebrating on 15 May with some amazing acts and wonderful friends at this special event.”
The Mayor of Reading’s Charity Quiz and Silent Auction at Reading Town Hall on Thursday, May 15, from 7pm.
Tables at the event are available via: whatsonreading.com/mayorscharityquiz
