Local Businesses Raise Over £12,000 for Starr Trust This Festive Season

The festive season brought an outpouring of generosity from Sussex businesses, with the Starr Trust receiving incredible support that will transform the lives of disadvantaged young people across the region.

From glamorous New Year’s Eve balls to family pantomimes, local businesses stepped up to make December and January months to remember for the charity, which provides vital funding to help young people overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

A Season of Giving

The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton kicked off the celebrations in style, hosting a vibrant carnival-themed New Year’s Eve Ball. A percentage of ticket sales was donated to the Starr Trust, raising an impressive £1,035.

Little Jasmin Spa brought the spirit of Christmas to their clients with a December raffle featuring a luxury hamper and spa experiences, raising £1,266 for the charity.

The Upside Down House in Brighton continued their longstanding support by committing a percentage of December ticket sales to the Starr Trust, with final donations still being counted. Music lovers also rallied behind the cause at The Brunswick Pub, where Mark Bassey’s Jazz Jamboree Orchestra delivered a lively evening, raising over £300.

Worthing Ice Rink is keeping the momentum going, with donations continuing until the end of February. Families can still visit the area’s only undercover ice-skating rink whilst supporting the charity’s vital work.

Pantomime Magic

The standout success came from the E3 Group and Focus Foundation’s partnership for this year’s Brighton Family Panto production of Jack and the Beanstalk. The full production team, crew, and performers delivered 18 spectacular shows throughout the festive period, managed expertly by the two Producers of the show, David Hill and Sharon Starr, resulting in a remarkable £8,647.47 donation.

Making a Real Impact

The timing of this generosity couldn’t be more crucial. The Starr Trust’s first of three annual funding meetings takes place later this month, with 15 young applicants already reaching out for support.

Fundraising Manager, Tracey Starr said “Every penny raised will be awarded to disadvantaged young people, making a life-changing impact on their futures. We can’t express how much this means to us as a small charity and to the young people we support. Thank you so much to each and every person who played a part in helping us fundraise over the Christmas period and throughout 2025.”

Join Us in Making a Difference

Whether you’re a business looking to host a fundraising event or considering a team challenge, the Starr Trust team will support you every step of the way.

You can also make a regular impact by joining the monthly lottery – an easy way to support disadvantaged young people whilst being in with a chance to win! Find out more at: www.starrtrust.org/lottery

To discuss your fundraising ideas, contact Tracey: tracey@starrtrust.org

Or visit www.starrtrust.org