London, 29 February 2008

Gala evening to launch innovative new project to help
disenfranchised and traumatised youngsters

  • The inimitable Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues
    Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis, Ruby Turner & Louise Marshall
  • World-renowned humanitarian & philanthropist Sir Bob
    Geldof
  • London’s premier DJ Nicky Holloway

The StratREAL Foundation is to hold its second charity gala event at the Dorchester on April 16th 2008 to launch the Foundation’s new programme: Communicating through Creativity. A fantastic evening of fine wines, gourmet dining, exciting auction & raffle prizes and superb entertainment is planned to launch the programme in style.

World-renowned humanitarian, philanthropist, and musical giant Bob Geldof will be our keynote speaker for the evening. A crusader for the rights of children and the disenfranchised, Sir Bob Geldof’s first-hand experiences over the last twenty years working in Africa and throughout the developing world make him an entertaining speaker whose approach is anecdotal and off-the-cuff. Passionate and inspiring, Bob Geldof embodies the values of The StratReal Foundation.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by the inimitable Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis, Ruby Turner & Louise Marshall. A musical phenomenon in his own right, Jools Holland’s performance with his 18-piece band is an experience not soon forgotten. Together with Gilson Lavis, Ruby Turner & Louise Marshall, Jools and his Orchestra’s soulful tunes and lively swings guest can expect to be swept off their seats and onto the dance floor.

Throughout the evening, London’s premier DJ Nicky Holloway will have guests’ feet stepping to dance music mixes. World-renowned, enigmatic Nicky Holloway has lead the DJ revolution, giving his golden touch to legendary Velvet Underground, Dance Europe, Kaos, and his own chic London exclusive club, The Milk Bar.

The Gala Dinner & Auction aims to raise funds for the launch of The StratREAL Foundation’s first Synergy Programme: Communicating through Creativity. This project will use the arts to address the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of disenfranchised and traumatised children. Charged with leading the evening’s fundraising efforts, our auctioneer is Harry Dalmeny – Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s UK. Lord Dalmeny’s unparalleled style will ensure an entertaining auction for all.

Pierre Rolin, Chairman and Founder of The StratREAL Foundation commented, “I believe that children are our future, and I am sponsoring this event to ensure that the funds raised through the evening can be used to focus on this innovative new project to achieve real results and make a long-term difference in the lives of young people.”

Note to editors:

  • The StratREAL Foundation was established in 2003 to help improve the lives of young people around the world. Children are the future – the basis of healthy societies, and it is to their welfare and in particular to their education, health and housing needs that the Foundation is dedicated.
  • Founded by Pierre Rolin, Chairman and Chief Executive of Strategic Real Estate Advisors, the StratREAL Foundation directs funds to specific projects within carefully selected charities that work to help young people in need.
  • The Foundation also assists philanthropists who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by managing their charitable donations to ensure that these are directed towards projects that have a clear and tangible impact. Built on the belief that individuals with a common purpose can make a direct difference, the Foundation works in synergy with its chosen charities to select projects that actively help young people escape the effects of poverty and build a better future.
  • The Foundation’s partner charities are The Prince of Wales Foundation for Children and the Arts, British Red Cross, Royal Opera House, Merlin, UNESCO -Education for Children in Need, VSO, Learning Through the Arts and The Prince’s Drawing School.