Ed Sheeran helps raise £750k for Suffolk's children in one night

Why it matters: The money raised by the Lentonbrook Foundation will boost support for local charities and community groups working with disadvantaged children and families across the county – with every penny staying in Suffolk.

The details: The invitation-only fundraising event was held in New York in late September, bringing together Ipswich Town Football Club investors and guests from their wider networks.

• The evening was hosted by former Ipswich Town captain Matt Holland.
• It featured a conversation with Mark Ashton and special guest Ed Sheeran, followed by an exclusive performance and charity auction.
• The Lentonbrook Foundation was founded by Ashton, who is also Chairman and CEO of Ipswich Town Football Club.

What they're saying: Mark Ashton said: "Raising $1 million in one evening is an incredible achievement, and I'm hugely grateful to Ed, our guests and everyone who helped make it happen.

"While the event took place in New York, Suffolk was at the heart of it. We're incredibly proud to be bringing significant new funding into the county, with every dollar dedicated to helping children and young people in our communities."

He added: "There are so many brilliant local organisations doing vital work, and this generosity will help them reach more young people, create new opportunities and make a lasting difference."

The bigger picture: The Lentonbrook Foundation already supports a range of projects across Suffolk, including:

• A sensory room at Langer Primary Academy in Felixstowe
• Youth activities delivered by Whitton Youth Partnership in Ipswich
• Woodland adventure days through Green Light Trust
• Specialist support for young people affected by domestic abuse in West Suffolk

The $1 million raised will enable the Foundation to build on this work, providing further funding to grassroots charities and community organisations.

Ashton said: "Whether it's providing a safe space, specialist support or opportunities that a child might otherwise miss, our ambition is to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

"This is a fantastic example of what we can achieve when people come together for a shared purpose. Money raised thousands of miles away will now make a real difference to children and young people right here in Suffolk."

What's next: The Lentonbrook Foundation, a registered charity, welcomes grant applications from charities and organisations supporting underprivileged children and young people across Suffolk. Further information is available at www.lentonbrookfoundation.co.uk.

The bottom line: Thousands of miles from Suffolk, a New York fundraiser has delivered more than £750,000 that will go directly to children and young people back home.

Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.

This article cost us ~£27 to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our two community impact partners: local contractor Barnes Construction, and flat roof waterproofing and design firm Axter. Please support us by supporting them.