On Thursday 5 December, the Women in Business Network (WIBN) Kent held its much-anticipated annual Christmas Lunch at the picturesque Chilston Park Hotel, raising an impressive £2,040, which will be equally distributed among six exceptional charities.
Katherine Vass, franchise owner of WIBN Kent, hosted the event, supported by sponsors Kent solicitors Furley Page, home care provider Bluebird Care and accountants and business advisory group Azets.
Attendees – including both WIBN members and special guests – enjoyed a delicious lunch, vibrant networking and exciting raffle prizes. The purpose was to come together and celebrate the festive occasion while supporting five remarkable charities: Kent MS Therapy Centre, POW Thanet (Power of Women), We Are Beams Charity, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, Pilgrims Hospices and Alzheimer’s Society.
Before lunch was served, representatives from each charity shared inspiring insights into their missions and the meaningful impact they have on Kent’s communities.
Following this, guest speaker Jo Wimble-Groves, co-owner of award-winning mobile telecoms provider Active Digital and author of Rise of the Girl, took the stage to deliver an empowering message. Encouraging everyone to “raise your hand,” Jo inspired the women in the room to embrace opportunities, believe in their potential and support the next generation of female leaders.
The afternoon culminated in a charity raffle featuring prizes worth over £4,000. Generous donations included spa vouchers for Sheldon Spa and Illuminate Skin Clinic, dining experiences at Chilston Park Hotel and top restaurants like No 9 at Chapel House and The Corner House, beauty products from Tropic Skincare, pottery classes, a paddleboarding experience, coaching sessions and more.
The grand prize – a stay in a stunning Alpine apartment – was kindly donated by Wild Geese Leadership, adding an extra touch of magic to the day.
Reflecting on the event, Katherine said: “The Christmas Lunch was incredible, and we are so lucky to have such a strong community of women in business here in Kent. The event would not be possible without the support of this community! Jo Wimble Groves was a fabulous speaker and greatly uplifting for us all!
“A special thank you to the sponsors, the raffle donations and, of course, all those who attended and supported the raffle – this is a community effort to make the event so spectacular – a million thank you’s!”
