NABS Postpones Stranger than Summer 2020 Fundraising Gala

NABS, the support organisation for the advertising and media industry, has taken the difficult decision to cancel its fundraising event, Stranger than Summer, because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The organisation relies entirely on donations from the industry to fund its support work. Last year’s Stranger than Summer raised a total £155,566, all of which went directly to improving the wellbeing of everybody working in advertising and media.

NABS experienced a 30% growth in its services in 2019 compared to the previous year. The coronavirus is expected to create even more demand as people across industry come to NABS for emotional support and financial help via its grants service.

Without Stranger than Summer to help raise funds to support this increase in demand, NABS is now asking the industry for its continued support. 

Diana Tickell, CEO, NABS, said: “Sadly, it is just not feasible for us to run the event this year in light of the coronavirus outbreak. We’re all incredibly disappointed to be in this situation.

“Stranger than Summer isn’t just a fantastic party; it’s also our biggest fundraiser of the year. Now, more than ever, we’re relying on the industry to carry on supporting us with their generosity. We know that these are difficult times but my plea is for anybody who can continue to support us to please do so.”

Jon O’Donnell, Stranger than Summer committee chair, said: “The decision to postpone Stranger than Summer hasn’t been an easy one to make. We hope that the industry will bear with us and to continue to support NABS throughout this year. The Stranger than Summer committee and I are looking forward to organising a fantastic party for 2021 in healthier times.” 

Stranger than Summer 2020 was scheduled to take place on 4th June at the HAC London.

All tables purchased for this year’s Stranger than Summer will be honoured for next year’s party, which will take place in June 2021 at the HAC. A number of bookers have already offered their booking value as a donation. Any bookers who need more information are asked to contact Diana directly.