SeriousFun London Gala 2015

November 4th 2015

Last night saw stars from the world of film, TV, music and celebrity came together to support the third annual SeriousFun Children’s Network UK gala at the Roundhouse, London. This highly anticipated event saw actor Danny DeVito and actress Renée Zellweger joining actress Elizabeth McGovern and Jeremy Irons  participate in the evenings event, along with David Gray and Corinne Bailey Rae supporting the show, by performing songs from their well-known classics to showcasing new and exclusive material.

The event raised an impressive £780,000 with all donations continuing to fund the SeriousFun’s global camps and their programmes, to ensure that they can continue to serve children at no cost to their families and to expand the reach of the services provided. As Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, gala dinner and silent auction, the SeriousFun campers from nine camps in Europe shared their experiences and stories of camp, their talents, and grown confidence all due to the SeriousFun Children’s network.

Founded by Hollywood actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman in 1988, SeriousFun Children’s Network is a global community of 30 camps and programs serving children with serious illnesses and their families – always free of charge. The experience of camp allows children to escape the fear, pain and isolation of living with illness and, as Paul put it, kick back and “raise a little hell.” This idea – taking fun seriously – helps children foster resilience, strength and confidence.  SeriousFun camps are located in Europe, the United States and Israel, as well as in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The London Gala was the final of three galas the organisation hosted this year to honor Paul Newman’s legacy during what would have been his 90^th year and came hot on the heels of the immensely successful New York City and Los Angeles galas. The galas are produced by Lou Adler and Kevin Duncan.

Abercrombie & Fitch was the proud corporate sponsor for all three galas. Newman’s Own Foundation, SeriousFun’s signature supporter, has been providing generous support to camps and programs around the world since the Network’s inception.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have returned to London for our third annual SeriousFun Gala during what would have been my father’s 90^th year. We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations that will go on to provide hundreds of children living with serious illnesses the opportunity to reclaim their childhoods, make new friends and discover the best in themselves – through the safe and supportive environment of a SeriousFun camp.”

Clea Newman

Director of Special Initiatives for SeriousFun and Paul Newman’s youngest daughter

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