Media and creative professionals from across the West Midlands helped put Birmingham on the map as the new Carnival Capital last week, at a special event organised by the Birmingham Publicity Association (BPA).
Emma Holsey, ITV; Mark McDonagh, Abstract Display and Graphics; Helen Williams, Unsuitable; all members of the BPA Council.
The Brazilian themed Carnival Lunch took place on Friday 19 April and was attended by more than 100 professionals, including members of ITV, Global Radio and Orion media – all helping to showcase the best of Birmingham and raise more than £1,500 for local charities.
Dedicated to bringing the creative industries in the Midlands closer together, the BPA has existed since the 1930’s and each year chooses two charities that its members wish to support. This year’s fundraising total will be split between HelpHarryHelpOthers (HHHO) and the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS).
Ed James, President of the BPA and Heart FM breakfast presenter said: “Not only did our Brazilian lunch raise thousands of pounds for truly deserving causes, both locally and nationally, but it also helped show just how united members of the creative industries are here in Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands. We have some strong creative talent in the region and it is important that we let the rest of the country know about that.
The real thing
“The atmosphere at the Carnival Lunch was just fantastic, in fact I’m pretty sure we even gave Rio a run for its money – arriba!”
During the course of the lunch – which took place at Rodizio Rico in The Cube – diners participated in various fundraising activities.
Ed continued: “We have a busy schedule of events for the next few months, including a golf day, ladies’ night and wine tasting event, all of which are being organised to help raise our target amount of £13,000. Our membership is going from strength to strength and I would encourage everyone who hasn’t been to a BPA event yet to come along and see what it’s all about.”
HHHO and NABS were named as BPA’s charities of choice at the beginning of 2013. HHHO was set up in memory of 11 year old Harry Moseley who tragically died of a brain tumour in October 2011 after fighting tirelessly to raise money to help those suffering from cancer. Supported by Harry’s mother Georgie Moseley, HHHO is helping to achieve all those goals that Harry himself put in place whilst fundraising and raising awareness of cancer in the last years of his life. Now celebrating its centenary year, NABS helps improve the lives of those working in advertising and the media.
For more information on the BPA visit thisisthebpa.co.uk