WHEN an influential American-based fan of Seven Stories set the popular venue a challenge, staff rose to it in true storybook fashion.
Neil Rackham, an internationally known speaker and writer who styles himself “the professor of professional selling”, was anxious to help Seven Stories after learning of its fifth birthday appeal.
Kate Edwards, chief executive of Seven Stories, explained: “Neil told us how much he admired our work and generously offered to found the appeal with a donation of £25,000 on the condition that we fundraise an equal amount within three months.”
The appeal was launched at a special event in September and Seven Stories staff are now raising their glasses to a job well done, having raised £74,800 in the period stipulated by Mr Rackham.
“It was a tough task,” said George Hepburn, chair of Seven Stories.
“But we have been thrilled at how many friends and supporters have contributed – raising the funds required in no time at all.
“It makes us all realise that Seven Stories is loved and appreciated and that people are prepared to give generously, even in difficult times, to develop our work.”
Mr Rackham, author of bestselling books about sales techniques, said: “When I first visited Seven Stories, the place was buzzing with local kids. You could feel the excitement as they played with the interactive exhibits. In another room, there was a magical silence while a spellbound group of six-year-olds listened to a story.
“Children’s literature opens up young people’s imagination and creativity, introducing them to new worlds and wider vision. It’s alive and it’s exciting. I was captivated and, on the spot, I thought: ‘this is important work. I need to support it’.”
One of the first North East businesses to support the appeal was Pyeroy – Gateshead-based specialists in construction and industrial support services.
Group managing director Hugh Pelham said the company was “delighted to be associated with this charity, which has its roots firmly in the North East, but which carries out work of national and international significance”.
Kate Edwards said the appeal is ongoing, with Seven Stories aiming to raise £500,000 over the next five years to support its work in saving and supporting children’s literature.
Seven Stories opened in 2005 with the blessing of many influential authors, illustrators and publishing figures. Recently, it received the prestigious Eleanor Farjeon Award, presented annually by the Children’s Book Circle to a person or organisation in recognition of an outstanding contribution to children’s literature and its readership. But, like all the Arts Council’s regularly funded organisations, Seven Stories is having to reapply for funding after next year and is preparing for tough times ahead.
Kate Edwards said Seven Stories was working with its public sector funders to safeguard its work, but was keen to strengthen private and corporate support for the organisation.
She said a Friends of Seven Stories scheme had been launched and was attracting interest from people interested in protecting our literary heritage. Seven Stories has an annual turnover of about £1.2m with £250,000 coming from the Arts Council next year, down from £269,000.