A star spangled event arranged by a leading Cypriot entrepreneur took place in South London in September.
The Paul Strank Charitable Trust Gala Dinner was at the Bank of England Sports Centre in Roehampton. The exciting event was hosted by Shaun Williamson who played Barry Evans in EastEnders and the star performance was from singer and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
The annual fundraiser, now in its 8th year, is put in place by Irene Strank whose parents were from Athienou and Dhokni in Cyprus. Irene works hard with her husband Paul to attract star performers to the dinner and this year was no different. Guests at the inspirational Gala included actor Danny Dyer (pictured with Irene), former boxer Frank Bruno and model Kelly Brook.
The Gala took place at the Bank of England Sports Centre. The gala raised money for the Paul Strank Charitable Trust, a Wimbledon-based Charity. The Paul Strank Charitable Trust supports local charities including Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice, the AFC Wimbledon Foundation and the Commonside Trust and Carer’s Support Merton among many other local causes.
The Gala Dinner was also attended by other Cypriots including ex-Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and Councillor Stephen Alambritis, the Leader of the Council at the London Borough of Merton. Both Paul Strank Roofing and the Paphitis business empire of Rymans and Robert Dyas are based in Merton.
Paul and Irene Strank have been raising money for a variety of good causes over the years; using their business Paul Strank Roofing as a springboard, they have helped thousands of people in and around South London, as well as the wider UK. Their sustained fundraising efforts were recognised in 2013 with Paul receiving an MBE for services to charity and the community in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Through their drive and passion for helping others, it is estimated that the pair have raised, donated or sponsored more than £2.5m for charity and the community over the past 30 years and the Paul Strank Charitable Trust has been set up to enable their fundraising to climb to new heights.
Irene said: “Our focus has always been on the most disadvantaged in our community with a particular emphasis on helping children in need and their families so we’re thrilled to have hosted our 8th annual gala dinner raising money for the Paul Strank Charitable Trust – a grant making charity which will continue this ethos in providing vital funding and support to those most in need of our compassion and help.”