"Even though we have been helping to support charities for many years, the foundation will help us to expand that support, and assist more charities in the incredible work they do."
Christian Pepper, CEO, The Financial Options Group
A Bury-based financial services firm has hosted back-to-back events celebrating the launch of its new charity support initiative, The Financial Options Group Charitable Foundation.
The Financial Options Group, based in the Stoneholme building on High Street in Walshaw, hosted two spectacular events over consecutive weekends in order to raise funds and to spread word of the new foundation to the firm’s large network of clients.
Over £17,000 was raised at The Financial Options and Cardinal Maritime’s Charity Golf Day and Gala Dinner, which took place at Mottram Hall in Cheshire on September 28. In aid of Bury-based charity The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, the day event saw 80 golfers drive, chip and putt their way across the 18-hole championship course, with Nearest the Pin, Beat the Pro and Longest Drive games as well as a hole-in-one competition with a brand new Mini Cooper up for grabs. 130 guests attended the evening Gala Dinner.
The following weekend, the company hosted its Annual Client Lunch at Gusto in Manchester, where they introduced the Charitable Foundation to more than 120 clients.
Dawn Fidler of The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, who spoke at the Gala Dinner, said: It’s always emotional but I love sharing our story. It’s so important people understand and are aware of the challenges a brain tumour can bring to our families. It was an incredible day of golf, dinner and dancing at Mottram Hall – with special people, stunning venue and beautiful weather.”
Established by the company’s founder, Christian Pepper, in memory of his mother, Betty Pepper, the Charitable Foundation’s mission is to empower individuals and make a difference to the lives of those in need by providing targeted support to charities, with an immediate goal of changing at least 1,000 lives for the better.
Betty Pepper, who was originally from Atherton and lived in Bury for many years, enthusiastically supported local causes throughout her life.
“If it wasn’t for her, the Financial Options Group simply would not exist,” said Mr Pepper. “She was an incredibly generous person, who inspired me and those around her. I can’t think of a better way to honour her memory.”
He added: “We have received such positive feedback on the Charitable Foundation launch, and it’s amazing to see people come together. Even though we have been helping to support charities for many years, the foundation will help us to expand that support, and assist more charities in the incredible work they do.”
For the past 10 years, The Financial Options Group has supported a range of charities, including Bury Cancer Support Centre and The Salvation Army. Through the Foundation, the firm will be able to offer greater support to a wider range of causes.
Captain Michael West of The Salvation Army site on Brookshaw Street said, “We are proud to be associated with the foundation that Christian and his team are providing. Without them we could not do the works that we strive to do. Over the years, the firm has contributed towards over 15,000 Christmas presents being purchased and distributed to families within the Bury area and 2,500 food parcels. Recently, the firm’s financial support has enabled families that have been victims of oppression and negative humanitarian acts to have a weekend away in The Lake District. Words never seem to do justice when we are grateful for such support. We simply say: thank you.”
To find out more, follow The Financial Options Group on social media or visit financialopts.co.uk.
(Pictured: Rob Cross, MD, Cardinal Maritime; Dawn Fidler of The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity; Christian Pepper, CEO, The Financial Options Group)
