The Lentonbrook Foundation, founded by Ipswich Town Football Club Chairman and CEO Mark Ashton, has raised an incredible $1 million at a fundraising event in New York, to support charities and community organisations helping underprivileged children and young people across Suffolk.

The fundraising milestone will enable the Foundation to increase its support for local charities and community groups, ensuring every penny raised stays in Suffolk and directly benefits communities across the county.

Held in New York in late September, the invitation-only fundraising event brought together Ipswich Town Football Club investors and guests from their wider networks. Hosted by former Ipswich Town captain Matt Holland, the evening featured a conversation with Mark Ashton and special guest Ed Sheeran, followed by an exclusive performance and charity auction.

Mark Ashton, Founder of the Lentonbrook Foundation and Chairman and CEO of Ipswich Town Football Club, said: “Raising $1 million in one evening is an incredible achievement, and I’m hugely grateful to Ed, our guests and everyone who helped make it happen.

“While the event took place in New York, Suffolk was at the heart of it. We’re incredibly proud to be bringing significant new funding into the county, with every dollar dedicated to helping children and young people in our communities.

“There are so many brilliant local organisations doing vital work, and this generosity will help them reach more young people, create new opportunities and make a lasting difference.”

The Lentonbrook Foundation already supports a diverse range of projects across Suffolk, including the creation of a sensory room at Langer Primary Academy in Felixstowe, youth activities delivered by Whitton Youth Partnership in Ipswich, woodland adventure days through Green Light Trust and specialist support for young people affected by domestic abuse in West Suffolk.

The $1 million raised will enable the Foundation to build on this work, providing further funding to grassroots charities and community organisations that understand the needs of local children, young people and families.

Mark Ashton added: “Whether it’s providing a safe space, specialist support or opportunities that a child might otherwise miss, our ambition is to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

“This is a fantastic example of what we can achieve when people come together for a shared purpose. Money raised thousands of miles away will now make a real difference to children and young people right here in Suffolk.”

The Lentonbrook Foundation welcomes grant applications from charities and organisations supporting underprivileged children and young people across Suffolk.