Christmas Comes Early to The Randolph Hotel as Raise’25 Secures Major Match-Funding Boost

Originally planned as a festive showcase for businesses considering The Randolph as a Christmas venue, the evening became a powerful platform to highlight Raise’25—an annual fundraising campaign led by business network B4. Last year the initiative generated £36,100 for local charities; this year’s ambition is even higher.

A Generous Host

General Manager Phil Lewis, who also hosted the launch of Raise’24, welcomed guests before dinner: “The Randolph has long been a symbol of excellence and heritage in Oxford, and we are delighted to support Raise’25 once again. It’s inspiring to see local businesses unite to create a fairer, safer, and happier community.

“Since opening in 1866, The Randolph has welcomed prime ministers, world leaders, and U.S. presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. With its rich legacy and iconic status, there is truly no better venue to celebrate Raise’25.”

See more about The Randolph’s Festive offering here: www.b4-business.com/news/celebrate-the-festive-season-at-the-randolph-hotel-oxford-a-graduate-by-hilton/

Game-Changing Announcement

B4 CEO Richard Rosser outlined Raise’25’s mission before introducing Kate Parrinder, Deputy CEO at Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF), who revealed an extraordinary boost: “Thanks to a philanthropic supporter, every pound raised for Raise’25 will be match-funded up to £50,000—including Gift Aid. That means a £200 donation could become £500; £400 becomes £1,000.

“This will go a long way to supporting 12 amazing local charities who will benefit from Raise’25. They support local people going through difficult times at every stage of life: whether they are a young person struggling with self-confidence, to keep up at school or caring for a family member; an adult grappling with their mental health, unemployment, the loss of their home or sexual violence; or an older person facing rural isolation, disability or the end of their life. In every case, one of these charities is there to help them with practical assistance and kindness.

“The funding will benefit Oxfordshire Youth, The Story Museum, Be Free Young Carers, Connection Support, Homeless Oxfordshire, Response, The Joey Beauchamp Foundation, Survivor Space Oxfordshire, Plunkett UK, Hoops Foundation, Sobell House Hospice, and OCF itself.

“The Raise’25 Enthuse page is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS and adding match funding to donations! If you were there last night or have read this and feel inspired, you can donate or set up your own fundraising page here: Oxfordshire Community Foundation: B4 Raise’25. The great news is we’re already up to £7,000!”

An Evening of Celebration

Guests enjoyed a superb three-course meal, a lively Heads & Tails fundraiser, and music from Jonty Hedges Jonty.Hedges@hotmail.co.uk. Deputy Lieutenant Peter Bennett-Jones, Raise Patron and co-founder of Comic Relief, shared insights into the transformative power of collective giving: “Securing such significant match-funding so early is testament to the vision behind Raise. It shows what can be achieved when businesses and communities pull together and will go a long way to helping redress the inequalities in Oxfordshire.”

As founder of Raise, Richard Rosser closed the evening by thanking The Randolph team, B4 colleagues, charity partners, and event supporters: “Tonight captured the true spirit of giving. With this match-funding we have a real chance to reach £100,000 by our finale at Rhodes House on 26 November.”

Links & Contacts

Event gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvmQG
The Randolph Hotel: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lonrdgu-graduate-oxford-uk
Raise’25: www.raise4charity.co.uk
B4 Business: www.b4-business.com

For media enquiries or to support Raise’25 through donations, sponsorship, or fundraising, please contact:
Richard Rosser – CEO, B4
Email: richard@b4-business.com

For fundraising queries regarding the B4 Raise Fund administered by OCF, please contact: Kate Parrinder – Deputy CEO, OCF Email: Kate.Parrinder@oxfordshire.org

For queries regarding the Arietta Trio, please contact: Jonty Hedges Email: Jonty.Hedges@hotmail.co.uk