Kisharon Langdon welcomed 830 guests to its inaugural fundraising dinner, marking 18 months since the transformative merger of two of the UK’s leading Jewish charities – in the largest and most significant Jewish charity merger in a generation.
The event, themed “Journey of a Lifetime”, showcased the charity’s vital role in supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people from early years through to adulthood, while raising significant funds for its life-changing work.
The merger, which created one of the largest Jewish charities in the UK, has enhanced Kisharon Langdon’s ability to deliver world-class care and education. Speaking at the dinner, Nicole Ronson Allalouf, Chair of the event, highlighted this achievement: “Kisharon Langdon is a wonderful example of our community coming together for the greater good. This merger has strengthened our ability to provide outstanding care and education, ensuring no one is left behind on their life’s journey.”
Reflecting on her personal connection to the cause, Nicole added: “Sometimes it feels like those who live with learning disabilities are the forgotten members of society. But Kisharon Langdon ensures no one is left to face these challenges alone. They are a family, treating everyone as equals and working tirelessly to help them thrive and reach their potential.”
The evening powerfully embodied Kisharon Langdon’s ethos of family and inclusion by involving the very people it supports. From welcoming guests to assisting in production and delivering toasts, their participation demonstrated how the charity empowers individuals to lead independent, meaningful lives. Throughout the evening, easy-read translations and Makaton signing of prayers and toasts were shared on the screen and on stage, showing guests what it means to host a truly accessible event.
Chief Executive Richard Franklin addressed the audience, emphasising the urgent need for financial support in the face of systemic underfunding. “Despite the chronic underfunding of social care, I truly believe we can deliver world-class services. Kisharon Langdon represents the very best of what our community values – compassion, generosity and excellence. But we need your help to sustain and grow this vital work,” he said. Franklin also drew attention to the rising costs and growing demand for services, highlighting the importance of fairer government support.
Special guest speaker Michelle Dyson C.B., parent and Director General for Adult Social Care, praised the charity’s transformative work, sharing her personal perspective:
“The Jewish community’s assets are being deployed to help people like my daughter, Rosi. But this doesn’t happen by itself; it needs Kisharon Langdon to galvanise, to co-ordinate and to support. In the end, people like Rosi want what we all want: a place to call home, with the people and things we love, in communities where we look out for each other, doing the things that matter to us. This is the power of Kisharon Langdon.”
Guests were reminded of the urgent £4.5 million funding shortfall Kisharon Langdon faces this year, due to rising service demands and government underfunding. Kisharon Langdon Co-Chairs Nick Doffman and Philip Goldberg shared:
“Kisharon Langdon now supports over 500 people and their families every day. With an annual turnover exceeding £24 million, we are now one of the largest charities in the Jewish community. Growth brings new challenges, and while we are incredibly proud of our achievements, we know that the work is far from over. To continue providing the level of care to people we support, we must raise £4.5 million this year alone. The generosity and belief in our mission makes all the difference. Whether through time, financial support or advocacy, our supporters are the heart of our success.”
The funds raised at the dinner will enable the charity to continue delivering essential programmes, including nurseries, schools, supported living flats, employment initiatives, and social enterprise schemes.
Richard Jones, a previous Britain’s Got Talent winner entertained guests. The evening also featured a powerful film illustrating the full cycle of support Kisharon Langdon provides, highlighting how they push boundaries, change perceptions and transform lives. The film highlighted people the charity support and parents sharing their reassurance that their children will be cared for and supported every step of the way into adulthood – each throughout their journey of a lifetime.
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