History of Pink Rose Dinner

The story so far...

Chair of the former Pink Rose Dinner Committee, Louise Sunderland, first came up with the idea of a dining-with-friends fundraiser in 2003. She had been talking to contacts in the USA, where such campaigns have a proven track record. Knowing that the Fund and Friends of Addenbrooke's (former name of Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust) were actively fundraising for the Cambridge Breast Unit, she approached the charity with her suggestion. The Pink Rose Dinner Committee was formed shortly afterwards.

October 2004 saw the inaugural Pink Rose Dinner in aid of the Cambridge Breast Unit at Addenbrooke's. Thanks to an amazing response from the community, and the generous backing of business sponsors, total funds raised exceeded £61,000.

As the appeal continued in 2005, a further £60,650 was raised. Volunteer hosts again worked hard to give their guests a good time while raising money for the cause - some of our hosts gave a second or even third dinner, others joined us for the first time. Many companies stayed or came on board as corporate sponsors.

In 2006 the appeal gained even more support from the community, corporate sponsors and staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital, nearly £60,000 was raised.

In 2007 the appeal raised nearly £70,000 was raised with the help of generous supporters and intrepid fundraisers, wanting to contribute to the appeal.