Event industry foundation, Meeting Needs has announced changes at the top of its management structure with chair Chris Parnham stepping down after serving two years, the maximum permitted.
He is replaced by vice-chair Lene Corgan who has served as a member of the committee for nine years, focused most recently on fund-raising and six years as vice-chair.
The changes were announced at this week’s annual showcase at the London’s Spencer House when sponsors, fund-raisers, supporters and beneficiaries learned about Meetings Needs activities during the past 12 months.
Parnham said the role was “the most fulfilling and rewarding chapter of my professional life”, a powerful statement, given the level of success of his career in the agency sector.
He said: “During my tenure as chair, we have raised around £250,000, which has been and is still being granted to very worthy charities and projects that often struggle to get exposure and investment. This is both humbling and inspiring, and I am truly proud of everyone who has been part of my two-year journey.”
Lene Corgan’s long nine-year contribution to Meeting Needs is rewarded with a chance to steer the foundation’s future while Parnham will remain on the committee to assist the team.
The showcase this week shared details of recent projects supported including:
· Assisting Mighty Convoy’s aid to Ukraine by purchasing one of the vehicles that took food and medication.
· Jafuta Foundation’s refurbishment of a classroom in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, benefitting 60 students.
· Feast with Us providing meals to those in London suffering from food poverty. Meeting Needs funded 1,000 healthy meals.
· Providing Livingstone Tanzania Trust with £4000 to develop an acre of land as a school farm for the purpose of growing their own food, benefitting 358 students.
· Paying Happy Days to provide short breaks for 175 children with learning difficulties or suffering from neglect or abuse.
