Businesswoman and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley shared her life story with the 200-plus guests at the Jewish Child's Day dinner, held on Tuesday at the Avenue ballroom in north London. She recalled arriving on the Kindertransport in 1939 as a five-year-old who could not speak a word of English.
Urging diners to donate generously, Dame Shirley said: "I am not a feminist. I am a humanist. I believe that every human being can make a real difference." The entertainment was by the Four Sons, a group of boys who sing for charity.
JCD executive director Melanie Klass "was truly overwhelmed by the support we have seen this evening.
"We have raised over £125,000, which for a charity of our size is absolutely fantastic. Together we are giving children a chance to succeed."
The charity supports medical, educational, therapeutic and humanitarian aid, as well as respite care, protection and poverty relief, for Jewish children worldwide.
We have raised £125k, which for a charity of our size is fantastic
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