Farleys Solicitors has been holding its annual St Patrick’s Day fundraiser for more than 15 years. What began as a small gathering between one or two solicitors and their business contacts has grown into an exclusive staple in the business networking calendar.

This year’s event took place on Friday 15th March and welcomed more than 130 guests for an afternoon of food, drinks, entertainment, and fundraising at the 1968 Lounge at Accrington Stanley Football Club. With all funds raised on the day set to be donated to Cash for Kids Lancashire, guests were invited to enter the raffle or bid in the charity auction to win one of dozens of prizes donated by local businesses. Prizes included concert and football tickets, signed sports memorabilia, and vouchers for everything from local restaurants and wine bars to shops and hotels.

In between the fundraising, entertainment was provided by musician David Jaggs, known for being part of the band The Ragamuffins. Guests also enjoyed a three-course lunch provided by Tongue & Cheek alongside the hospitality of Accrington Stanley Football Club providing, amongst other refreshments, copious amounts of Guinness.

Through the raffle and auction, in total, £7,480 was raised for Cash for Kids. A total which will be topped up by the Farleys Foundation to make an £8,700 donation to the charity.

Ian Liddle, founder of the St Patrick’s Day fundraiser and managing partner at Farleys, commented,

“Firstly, we need to thank our friends and clients for helping us to raise another fantastic total for Cash for Kids. We couldn’t continue to do this without their generosity in both monetary donations and prize donations.

We’re delighted to have been able to support such a worthy cause while enjoying an afternoon catching up with our business contacts and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us as well as the team at Accrington Stanley for being excellent hosts.

“Over the years, this event has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity, and it continues to be well-supported, so much so, we’re approached by guests months in advance so they can get the date in their diaries!”

All funds raised from the event will be donated towards the Cash for Kids Day campaign which this year is focussing on alleviating food poverty in children in Lancashire, specifically holiday hunger.

All funds raised from the event will be donated to the Lancashire branch of Cash for Kids.

Rosalina Lobo, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids Lancashire, commented,

“Thank you ever so much to the incredible team at Farleys Solicitors and all their amazing guests at the renowned St Patrick’s Day annual celebration. We are so grateful to every single person that helped generate this phenomenal donation to our charity, for all your generosity and kindness.

“These funds will go towards Cash for Kids Day, our second biggest fundraising campaign of the year. We are raising money to tackle food poverty and more specifically holiday hunger. 2.4 million children in the UK receive free school meals, ensuring they get at least one hot, healthy meal a day. But what happens during the school holidays?

The funds raised this Cash for Kids Day will be used to fund holiday activity and food groups across Lancashire, giving local children and young people the chance to take part in fun activities, socialise with other children and to enjoy a healthy meal.

“Thank you so much again to Farleys and friends, we love the relationship we have with you and the continued support we have had from you over the years. You are doing wonderful things for local families that are in need of our help.”

To find out more about Cash for Kids, visit their website here.