Now in its 17th year, the White Hat Ball is a landmark annual event for the cybersecurity industry. Each year, the ball brings together some of the most influential individuals in the digital security sector in the name of raising awareness and fundraising for the NSPCC. Cybersecurity PR Agency, Origin Comms were delighted to be official sponsors of the event this year and were thrilled by the rapturous reception by all who attended.
This year, the White Hat Ball was hosted by multi-award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane who brought lively humour throughout the evening. The event welcomed a host of security and risk professionals which made for an event rich in enjoyable, thought-provoking conversation on the current state of the industry and beyond.
Throughout the evening there was a silent auction that took place where guests could bid on a range of prizes including a Santi Star Bracelet Stack by Annie Haak, a luxury round of golf and a much sought after stay in a French villa. There was also a live auction with a selection of extravagant prizes, including tickets to a night with Queen.
One of the core topics of discussion throughout the night focused on the impact that social media has on mental health and the effects it can have on young people. The pandemic affected young people in a number of ways such as being isolated from their friends, some struggled with online school and many had no escape from any troubles at home, and the repercussions are still being felt for many.
Since the first national lockdown back in 2020, Childline have delivered an average of 17,000 counselling sessions a month. On average it costs Childline £4 to answer a child’s call for help, and so we were so pleased that all of the money raised at the White Hat Ball will go to this amazing organisation.
We were delighted to contribute to a record-breaking amount of £220k raised for NSPCC Childline, and we can’t wait to continue to support the event in years to come.