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REFLECTING ON THE ‘BOOKMARK: READ TO SUCCEED’ CHARITY GALA

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​We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the ‘Bookmark: Read to Succeed’ charity gala at Hotel Café Royal, London. The event, co-hosted by Drax Executive and Altus Partners (part of the LCap Group), was a truly inspiring evening dedicated to supporting children's literacy in the UK.

The evening commenced with an introduction from Mark Sherman, Bookmark Corporate Partnerships Board member and Chief Executive of DRAX Executive. He welcomed Sharon Pindar, the founder and chair of trustees of the Bookmark Reading Charity, and Paul Pindar, the founder of Literacy Capital plc, who was a key driving force behind the charity. Their passionate speeches underscored the urgent need to support disadvantaged children at risk of falling behind in their reading skills.

About Bookmark Reading Charity

Bookmark is a charity committed to transforming children's lives by fostering a love of reading. By connecting volunteers with primary school children who need reading support, Bookmark aims to ensure that every child has the reading skills and confidence to succeed in school and beyond—the charity partners with private equity funds to achieve significant societal benefits and foster employee engagement. Bookmark's innovative approach makes a tangible impact, helping bridge the literacy gap for children at risk of falling behind.

Bookmark offers flexible opportunities to make a real difference for those interested in volunteering. Volunteers can sign up for reading sessions with children, providing the support and encouragement needed to build their reading skills and confidence. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit their volunteer page.

Event Highlights and Acknowledgements

The gala was a testament to Bookmark's mission, showcasing our community's incredible generosity and commitment. We want to express our sincere gratitude to all attendees, including representatives from:

  • Three Hills

  • Literacy Capital plc

  • Jacobs Holding AG

  • Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.

  • Cinven

  • August Equity

  • Montagu

  • CBPE

  • LDC

  • The Rohatyn Group

  • WestBridge

  • Astorg

  • Keyhaven Capital Partners

  • EPIC Investment Partners

  • Aquiline Capital Partners

  • Investcorp

  • IK Partners

  • Liberty Corporate Finance

  • Puma Private Equity

  • Apax

  • Cap10 Partners LLP

  • Graphite Capital

  • ECI Partners

  • Inflexion

  • Private Equity Insights

  • Kester Capital

  • Circularity Capital

  • Insight Partners

Thanks to the generosity displayed through the auction and pledges, a total of £53,000 was raised on the night. This donation will significantly support Bookmark Reading in continuing its transformative work with young people, helping to change the story for more children through the joy of reading.