A CHARITY that helps children overcome adversity has received a £930 boost, by triumphing at the inaugural York Soup event.

The Island, which works with people aged eight to 19, won the proceeds from the fundraising dinner on Thursday evening. It gained most votes from the 93 diners, who had each paid £10 admission, beating three other projects to the prize.

>>> Learn more about The Island here

Nigel Poulton, who pitched on behalf of the charity, said he was thrilled to have won. He said: "It's the first time I have had to do a face-to-face pitch - I am more used to writing applications, but this is live and it was an opportunity to raise awareness within York of what different charities are doing.

"It was a good evening and I hope there will be more."

>>> 31 photos from the first York Soup

The Island was launched in 2007 and now has 46 mentoring relationships and two evening clubs for 27 young people who are awaiting mentors. It also runs schools-based mentoring, which ran at Westfield School this year and which will run at Haxby Road Primary School next year.

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It works with children who have faced adversity, such a family breakdown or disability, and who are at increased risk of marginalisation or engaging in antisocial behaviour.

In the charity's handout, distributed to diners, they wrote: "Having someone who will meet with them regularly, build a relationship, have fun and provide help with making positive influences can have a lifelong influence."

 

Other projects to pitch were the Acomb Community Garden, which wants to transform an area behind Acomb methodist Church; Royal Voluntary Services, which wants to expand its library service for lonely elderly people; and York English for Speakers of Other Languages, which works with young people and does storytelling to help improve language skills.

Guests were also encouraged to give feedback to the four projects, by adding notes to display boards.

York Soup was inspired by Detroit Soup, which has raised more than $85,000 in five years. In York, anyone with a project that could benefit the city was invited to apply for a pitching slot.

Ruth Stockdale, from York CVS, which hosted the event, said: "We're absolutely delighted with how it went. It was a great atmosphere and a great evening to support the local community. One charity was successful, but all of the projects got support and interest, and they were all really pleased."

A second York Soup is now planned, at Guildhall on September 22, during the York Food and Drink Festival. There will be capacity for 150 people. To book tickets, or if you are interested in pitching for the proceeds, visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/york-soup-x-york-food-drink-festival-tickets-17525168250