THE INAUGURAL WEST COUNTRY 100 DINNER

"Inspiring business to support Royal Marines in need"

Friday the 13th March saw some of the West Country's most prominent business leaders gather to support The C Group Charity and share an evening of fine food and captivating entertainment at the Officers' Mess, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone.

The exclusive, invitation only dinner, was put on to connect the charity's expanding network with the Royal Marines. Guests were welcomed by Colonel Kev Oliver, the Commandant of the Commando Training Centre, and a Trustee of The C Group. Tony Rowe OBE, a second Trustee advised the guests of the launch of the West Country 100 Club, an exclusive club of 100 West Country businesses who are committed to raise £1,000 per year to support Royal Marines in need. Quite incredibly, 25 companies signed up on the night to become founder members, leaving only 75 places available within this elite West Country association, and providing a clear example of their commitment to other like-minded businesses who may wish to follow.

Guests were treated to outstanding entertainment from the Royal Marines Band, a live auction hosted by Graham Barton and after dinner speech from Kriss Akabusi MBE.

The C Group is an entirely self-funded charity, which aims to support Royal Marines in need, most notably, those whose careers have ended prematurely due to injury. Beneficiaries are supported through an intelligent combination of work placements, mentoring, training, financial support and full time employment. Beyond this, the charity also provides support to Royal Marines and their families to overcome adversity through its expanding business network.

Sharky Ward, Director of Operations said: "The West Country 100 Dinner provided a great opportunity to engage with local business leaders; we are sincerely grateful for their company and generosity on Friday, and for their enduring support and guidance to the Royal Marines and The C Group Charity. Through our unified efforts we seek to support one of the West Country's finest exports."

ENDS

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About The C Group

The C Group is a Royal Marines charity that inspires business to support Royal Marines. We support any Royal Marine whose military career has ended prematurely due to injury, however the injury was incurred; support serving and former Royal Marines, their families and dependents who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress; and assist serving and former Royal Marines to resettle in to civilian life. The C Group also seeks to link talent with opportunity, providing a recruitment service for businesses who seek former Royal Marines to fulfill their HR requirement, free of charge. http://www.thecgroup.org