A Night Under the Stars, the flagship fundraising event for Yorkshire Children’s Charity, brought together leading figures from across the region’s business, philanthropic and society circles on Saturday for one of the most anticipated events in the county’s social calendar.
The £1,250 a ticket black-tie evening was held within the spectacular surroundings of Grantley Hall, near Ripon, where guests gathered for a champagne reception and four-course dinner in a purpose-built glass-roofed orangerie. They partied to live performances from two pop icons – Gabrielle and Fleur East – before a live auction featuring exclusive and unique lots, and DJ set from television and radio personality Mark Wright. The night closed with a dramatic drone show and fireworks display.
And the event smashed the incredible £1 million milestone total achieved last time out, bringing in £1.2 million to support children across Yorkshire who are affected by disability, illness and poverty.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco once again pledged his support for the charity’s work, having attended previously. He continues to champion the organisation’s mission to transform the lives of vulnerable children across the region.
The funds raised will support Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s programmes helping children living in some of the UK’s most deprived communities. In the past year alone, the charity has delivered vital winter support to almost 5,000 children through its Warm, Dry and Ready to Learn campaign, providing essential items including coats, bedding and toiletries to families facing severe hardship.
The charity is also leading several major school transformation projects through its Great Yorkshire Build initiative, including a £3 million redevelopment of Hilltop SLD School in Rotherham for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Charlotte Farrington, Founder and Chief Executive of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, said:
We are incredibly grateful to every guest, partner and supporter who helped make the evening possible. To raise £1 million in one night is truly extraordinary, and to do it twice is an incredible feat.
Across Yorkshire there are thousands of children growing up in circumstances that no child should face. The funds raised will help us continue delivering essential support to families in crisis and transform schools for children with complex needs across the region, in challenging times.
A Night Under the Stars demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together with generosity and determination to change young lives for the better.
We believe passionately that with a bit of trusty Yorkshire graft and the support of good people who want to make a difference, almost anything is possible. We have 58,000 children who already know that is true.
No matter where a child is born, they deserve a fair chance. We have created a safety net for the children of Yorkshire, and something the whole region can feel proud to stand behind.
Notable auction lots:
- Five-night trip to Argentina for three, taking in Buenos Aires and shooting in Cordoba
- Le Mans 2026 – the Ultimate Motorsport Experience
- Rolex watch
- VW Karmann Beetle
- Be Boodles Wrap Earrings and exclusive ‘After Hours’ Chelsea Flower Show hospitality
- Seven-night private villa stay for up to 10 people in Tuscany
- Scottish Getaway – Gleneagles Hotel and The Balmoral, Edinburgh
- Overnight stay in Grantley Hall’s Presidential Suite with Louis XIII Cognac tasting for two
- Royal Ascot 2026 for 10 people
- England Nike home Harry Kane shirt
Independent findings on the work of Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s Warm, Dry and Ready to Learn campaign from University of Leeds:
- 98% of teachers said the programme helped identify and support vulnerable families, including those with previously hidden needs
- 62% of teachers said the campaign helped them to improve family engagement
- 82% of respondents described the impact as “significant”
One teacher said: “Happy, warm and proud children who are not ashamed, wet or cold due to poverty. Children who arrive ready to learn after barriers have been removed.”
Kawita Sawari, PHD student at the University of Leeds:
The survey results demonstrate that Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s initiative has had a profound and multi-dimensional impact on pupils and their families.
Teachers reported improvements in pupils’ readiness to learn, confidence, and sense of belonging.
The quantitative evidence confirms that Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s initiative is highly effective in reducing barriers to education for vulnerable children.
By addressing basic needs, the programme enhances pupils’ attendance, confidence, and sense of belonging, while simultaneously strengthening family-school relationships.
In the analysis, it noted that “this initiative is more than a campaign – it’s a lifeline that restores dignity and builds hope for the future”.
