“Dear Supporter,
It is with great excitement that I announce the launch of the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta, which will see a fantastic array of balloons fly across the city of London to raise awareness for my charitable Appeal. In 1992 Sir Brian Jenkins became the first and only Lord Mayor, to date, to fly across the City of London in a hot air balloon to raise awareness and funds for his Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
21 years later, with the help of Exclusive Ballooning’s enthusiasm and support, the Annual Lord Mayor’s Appeal Hot Air Balloon Regatta has been born, as we attempt to replicate Jenkin’s success.
All proceeds from the Regatta will go to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2013, which, by giving a platform to its chosen charities, aims to encourage and challenge people to give more and do more to secure the future for the next generation, whether by supplying more music, lifting children out of poverty, safeguarding the environment, or protecting and enabling access to art in all its forms.
Listening to and performing music has always been a profoundly important part of my life, and the main beneficiary of the Appeal, the City Music Foundation, will support talented young musicians early in their professional career, at a time when they need it most, through mentoring, performance opportunities and financial support.
I hope you will join us in our mission to provide opportunities for young people from all walks of life to pursue their ambitions and build a brighter a future.
With best regards,
The Rt Hon. The Former Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman Roger Gifford”