Jo Harrington Fund makes first donation to charity creating magical holidays for critically ill children
The Birmingham Publicity Association’s Grand Christmas Lunchtime Ball has wrapped up in spectacular style, with the highlight of the day being a £5,000 donation from The Jo Harrington Fund to Kid’s Village, the charity that creates magical holidays for children with critical illnesses.
The event, held at the Grand Hotel Birmingham earlier this month, brought together hundreds of guests from across the media, marketing, advertising and creative industries for a day of festive celebration and fundraising.
Jo Russell, Radio Presenter with Amy Jacklin from Kids Village, Steve Price from the BPA and Mark ‘Sparky’ Colerangle Radio Presenter at the recent event
Star broadcasters Jo and Sparky proved to be incredible compères, keeping the energy high throughout the day, while the entertainment acts delivered memorable performances that had guests talking long into the afterparty at The Royal.
Steve Price, Co-Interim Chair for the BPA, said:
What an absolutely fantastic day. Jo and Sparky were incredible as our compères, the acts were sensational, and the atmosphere was everything we’ve come to expect from a BPA Christmas celebration and more.
But the real highlight was being able to present Kid’s Village with £5,000 from The Jo Harrington Fund. Knowing that this money will help create magical holiday experiences for children with critical illnesses makes all our efforts worthwhile. It’s what the BPA is all about, bringing our industry together to support causes that really matter.
He added: “We would like to say a massive thank you goes to everyone who came along and all those businesses from media, marketing, advertising and beyond who sponsored, bought tickets, donated prizes and gave the BPA such invaluable support.
Amy Jacklin from Kid’s Village said:
We’re deeply grateful to the BPA for their continued support and for the unexpected £5,000 donation from the Jo Harrington Fund. With the BPA and our incredible supporters, we reached our £5M Capital Appeal Target last month, bringing the Kids’ Village dream closer to reality. This generous gift will help us create magical moments for families who stay at Kids’ Village when we open in 2027. Thank you.
For 2026, there are plenty more events lined up including the BPA Spring Season Opener Indoor Golf Tournament on Thursday 19 March at Skratch Golf, the BPA Spring Soirée on Friday 17 April at Bank Restaurant, the return of the BPA Midlands Media Mingle with exciting new sponsors, and of course the BPA Christmas Lunch on Friday 4 December back at The Grand Hotel Birmingham.
The BPA is the only organisation of its kind, bringing the media industry and friends together in the Midlands. Don’t miss out and see you in 2026.
For more information about the BPA and to book tickets for upcoming events, visit www.thisistheBPA.co.uk or email events@thisisthebpa.co.uk
