What better way to prepare for a career in events management than by staging a high-profile fundraiser for a much-loved local charity?
A group of Level 5 Foundation Degree (FD) Events Management students at University Centre Leeds have done just that – and, by all accounts, they ‘smashed it’!
The project involved months of preparation to deliver a Bangladeshi-themed fundraising event which ended up raising more than £1,200 for Henshaws.
Held at the University Centre itself in May, Bright Future included Bangladeshi food and art stalls along with a prize raffle. It also attracted some VIP guests including the 2021-2022 Lord Mayor of Leeds, Asghar Khan, plus the current Mayor of Keighley, Luke Maunsell and his predecessor, Julie Adams.
Henshaws, which supports people with sight loss and a range of other disabilities, was delighted with the outcome.
Praise for an incredible achievement
In a letter to the event’s student team leader, Abdul Shohid, the charity’s Community and Events Fundraiser Kate Simpson said: “I want to say a huge thank you to you and all of your team!
“The money you have all raised from your Bright Future Bangladeshi event will genuinely change the lives of so many people who rely on our services here at Henshaws. This is an incredible achievement and absolutely due to your hard work, dedication and amazing attention to detail.”
Kate described some of the fantastic work Henshaws does, including at its Knaresborough-based Arts and Crafts Centre, at the event.
A payoff for months of hard work
HE Lecturer in Travel, Tourism & Event Management at University Centre Leeds, Becky Whitaker, meanwhile was full of praise for the student team.
She said: “The event was the accumulation of months of hard work where the students planned all aspects of the event, on behalf of Henshaws.
“Bright Future was sponsored by various Yorkshire businesses and included authentic Bangladeshi food, stalls including Henna art, and a raffle with unique prizes.
“This was the students’ final assessment and the pinnacle of their FD in Events Management. They raised an amazing total of £1206.84, after setting an initial target of £500 – they smashed it!”
If you are interested in a career in events and, potentially, joining the FD Events Management course at University Centre Leeds this September, visit ucleeds.ac.uk/courses/fd-events-management/ or call (0113) 235 4450.