‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’ reform to support military veterans at Forceselect Foundation dinner

Feb. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- Iconic 80s pop group ‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’ are to reform to support military veterans at the second ForceSelect Foundation Dinner to be held in London later this month.

‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’ are best known for singles ‘Misfit’, whose video featured legendary artist Andy Warhol; and ‘Name and Number’ which is still hugely popular today.

The second ForceSelect Foundation Dinner, which takes place at the Chiswell Street Brewery in London, is aiming to raise substantial funds to help small military charities desperately in need of financial support.

‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’ frontman Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot explained why the band was re-forming for the event: “Regardless of our personal views with regards to how, when and why our country's Forces may be put to war, it's our society and we need to take care of it.

“Therefore it's only logical that we'd provide a service enabling ex-troops to put such an experience behind them, so that they can get the support they need to have a productive future.”

Around 400 guests are expected at the event including Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in more than 30 years; author and motivational speaker Chris Moon, who lost his leg and lower arm when clearing landmines in Africa; and former Hollyoaks star Davinia Taylor.

Auctions items on the night will include the chance to join HRH Prince Harry’s Arctic Heroes; Lawrence Dallaglio’s Debentures for Six Nations; and a Harley Davison ride across America.

The ForceSelect Foundation, which is led by former Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson, raises funds from charity initiatives, corporate and individual donations and a percentage of the profits from leading recruitment consultancy and sister company, ForceSelect to support smaller military charities that are struggling for funding.

Head of the Trustees General Sir Mike Jackson added: “The ForceSelect Foundation aims to raise vital funds to help smaller charities that have perhaps been forgotten in recent years but nevertheless do a vital job to help veterans and their families. We’re delighted that ‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’ have chosen to support us at the ForceSelect Foundation Dinner.”

The ForceSelect Foundation will pool all raised funds and encourage applications from smaller service charities. Twice a year the trustees will sit to consider the applications and award grants accordingly.

It will look to build strong links with the charities and encourage subsequent bids if the awards have fulfilled their original aims. For more information or to donate, please visit www.forceselect.org .

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NOTES TO EDITORS

The ForceSelect Foundation is the brainchild of former army officer Hugh Andrée who, after setting up ForceSelect, a recruitment agency finding employment for service leavers, realised that there was a need to put something back into the charities who do so much for our ex-servicemen and women.

Head of the trustees is former Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson and other Trustees include Dame Kelly Holmes MBE, Rebekah Brooks, Sir John Rose and Stephen Morris.

The Foundation's aim is to support smaller service charities at a time when they are finding survival in the current economic situation incredibly difficult. There are service charities helping veterans from the Second World War through to the current conflict in Afghanistan and many need external assistance to continue their wonderful work.

Funds are raised in a number of ways. Leading recruitment consultancy ForceSelect is donating a percentage of its profits to the ForceSelect Foundation while corporate and individual donations and fundraising activities will also contribute towards the Foundation’s fund. This money will be pooled and smaller service charities will be invited to make applications for grants.

The ForceSelect Foundation Board of Trustees will meet twice a year to decide who to donate to.

If you wish to donate, please visit: www.forceselect.org

ForceSelect was set up in 2009 by former Army Officer Hugh Andrée to provide military service leavers – currently estimated to be around 22,000 each year – with the best and most appropriate career opportunities within UK businesses.

ForceSelect believes that Armed Forces leavers are efficient, reliable, disciplined, and self-motivated candidates who can contribute positively to Britain’s society and workforce.

All ForceSelect staff have served in the military including Head of Recruitment Stuart Edwards; Director, best-selling author and SAS hero Andy McNab DCM MM; and Non-Executive Director and former Chief of General Staff General Sir Michael Jackson GCB CBE DSO DL.

ForceSelect has partnership deals with companies including McDonald’s, UPS and Unite. It is keen to sign up with a wide range of large and small businesses across the UK across all business sectors.

ForceSelect is implementing a mentoring and support programme to provide advice and guidance to individuals having left the Armed Forces, enabling a seamless transition from service life into civilian employment. This mentoring will be offered to every service leaver placed in a new job and will cover areas such as accommodation, financial matters, medical matters and the different culture of civilian life.

As part of a wider corporate responsibility, the ForceSelect Foundation has also been established to contribute towards service charities each year. ForceSelect will contribute a proportion of its profits to the Foundation as well as organising a range of fundraising activities.

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