The Tusk Ball was very generously sponsored by ISPS Handa and Land Rover, with further support from Justerini and Brooks. During the evening the 350+ guests were treated to exceptionally powerful live performances by Katherine Jenkins and John Owen-Jones. And if that were not enough, comedian and long-standing Tusk Ambassador, Rory Bremner compèred the event, entertaining guests throughout, while James Lewis, as auctioneer helped to raise such a sizeable sum of money for our work.
The event was made all the more dramatic thanks to the incredible images of David Yarrow, both in the popular ‘photo booth’ area and through the very kind donation of two of his recent works for the live auction.
In her speech, Ambassador, Trustee and Chair of the Ball Deborah Meaden underlined the importance of the event: “We live in trying times and our ability to destroy so much of the natural world is truly alarming. In less than fifty years studies show that we have lost 60% of the world’s mammals, birds, fish and reptiles, whilst the human population has tripled. Africa, alone, is projected to double its human population in the next 30 years. Therefore conservation of the natural world must no longer be seen as either a luxury or prioritising wildlife over humans, but as an imperative that supports all life on earth. I have seen for myself, the phenomenal impact that Tusk and its many partners throughout Africa continue to have. It is both inspiring and vital.”
In a pre-recorded speech for the event, Tusk’s Royal Patron, The Duke of Cambridge, said: “When I visited Tusk projects in Namibia and Tanzania last year, I was encouraged that so many people are doing such fantastic work on the ground to provide a future for Africa’s incredible wildlife, and the communities that live alongside it. Nature is not a luxury. Our continued existence on this planet depends on it. This is why Tusk’s work to help protect the precious wildlife we have left in Africa is so crucial. And it’s also why Tusk’s philosophy of combining this on-site protection with environmental education is so important. Local communities must understand the inherent value of the natural world and the economic benefits they will gain from preserving it.“
Tusk is extremely grateful to all our sponsors, performers, auction donors, guests and volunteers that made yesterday’s Tusk Ball at Kensington Palace such an incredible success.
