WDBN to host fundraising dinner for Hospice in Dublin
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Announcing details of the Westmeath Dublin Business Network (WDBN) dinner in support of the North and South Westmeath Hospice (on Thursday November 28) were Sophie Eastman, Margaret Claffey and Carmel Kerrigan from North Westmeath Hospice (in T-shrits) and Aideen Ginnell, director of communications company The Cicero Group and WDBN committee member, and John Brennan, WDBN chairperson.Image 2 of 3
Ray Geraghty, Bannon speaking at the WDBN launch event in House, Lesson Street, last year.Image 3 of 3
Gerry Duffy speaking to the crowd at AN WDBN event in February in PwC.The Westmeath Dublin Business Network (WDBN), in operation just one year, now has almost 200 businesspeople signed up.
The membership represent a broad range of sectors from property and professional services to legal, finance, retail and hospitality.
Based on similar well-established organisations, the network organises four flagship events annually, an online platform with member details, professional development and mentoring support programmes and channels for engagement through a private LinkedIn group.
The network has also committed to partnering with a different Westmeath charity each year, stating that it intends to use its platform to support vital local services.
Event for hospice
This year it is the North and South Westmeath Hospice who will receive a cheque from proceeds raised by the end of 2019.
The dinner, which is being sponsored by Kelbuild and Pinergy (other sponsors to be confirmed), is taking place on Thursday November 28 in Fallon and Byrne and is being hosted by Kathy Sheridan of The Irish Times.
Guests will be treated to an inclusive ‘in conversation with’ Ireland internationals and Athlone natives Robbie Henshaw and Jack Carty with stories from the world cup and on how they balance business and sport in a competitive environment.
Chair of the WDBN John Brennan, who is also MD of ORS, said: “It has been a fantastic first year for the network, and I think the support we have received from members and sponsors is a real testament of the value people place on the concept.
“In short, the concept came from our experiences networking in large organisations. People spend more and more time now at networking events trying to build connections, and we felt if we could provide a ready-made link, which is Westmeath, we could make the job that much easier for all involved.
“Looking at our existing members, the largest group are living and working in Dublin now, and second-largest are workers that commute from Mullingar. We also have a small number of members that live in Mullingar but have business interests in Dublin – so it’s a varied group.
“Our events last year included a launch event in House on Leeson Street, a Christmas night out in the Merrion Hotel, a breakfast networking event for executives with TED Talk contributor Gerry Duffy in PwC and a golf classic in the Hermitage.
“When deciding on our events we are always really conscious that they should serve a number of purposes;
• To be accessible and affordable for all members.
• To serve to enhance professional development and build connections.
• To provide members with an opportunity to promote their business through sponsorship.
• To provide an opportunity to advocate on behalf of Westmeath people and on behalf of Westmeath business.
Mentoring younger members
“In particular, supporting graduates and younger members is important to us and is something that is discussed at every event.
“As a result, our youth co-ordinator Aaron Curley, who is a business analyst with Accenture Management, is leading our mentorship programme.
“The initiative has more than 40 really experienced mentors signed up and willing to take on fellow WDBN members in a mentor-mentee capacity.
“The mentors range from MDs of multinational companies to senior figures in banking and property in Ireland.
“The network, however, is not without its challenges. As it is managed by a voluntary committee, it can be hard to maintain momentum and continuously look for new members.
“Funding is also a challenge as we depend heavily on sponsorship to put events on, and now, to ensure we are also raising funds for our charity. I am very confident, though, in its viability as we had an amazing first year under the direction and leadership of Ray Geraghty, a Mullingar native who works as a director of Bannon.
“Thanks to his perseverance and that of the Committee, we have a solid membership base, a workable structure and a really exciting programme already in place for 2020.”
Tickets for hospice dinner
A small number of tickets remain for the forthcoming charity dinner and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Demand is high so get yours early.