It was a 50th birthday celebration with a difference. Instead of receiving gifts, Andrew Green decided to give back – in spectacular fashion, raising around £28,000 for a West Sussex-based children’s charity.
Andrew, who is the Executive Principal of the Chichester College Group, held a charity ball earlier this month to celebrate his big day and to support PACSO, a charity which helps children with disabilities and their families in the Chichester and Arun districts of West Sussex.
Some 100 guests came together for the black tie event, held at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, where they were treated to live music, charity auction and a special performance by Theatre Inc – Chichester College’s award-winning theatre company which provides performing arts training tailored to young people with learning disabilities.
Andrew said: “I knew I wanted to do something special to mark my 5oth birthday, and I wanted to do something that would make a difference. PACSO is a fantastic local charity that does so much to support parents with children who have various disabilities, including those with learning difficulties or disabilities.
“As a parent of an ADHD child, I know how important this support is. So to be able to put on an event that would not only bring together my family, my friends and colleagues and raise money for an amazing cause was brilliant. I was blown away by the donations and success of the auction.
‘To raise £28,000 for PACSO was probably the best gift I could have asked for. It was a brilliant evening, and I am extremely grateful to the generosity of everyone who joined us.”
Clare Elkington, Chair of Trustees at PACSO, added: “All at PACSO are very grateful to Andrew for raising so much to support our families with a child or young person with a disability. A huge thank you and Happy 50th Birthday!”