A private fundraising evening in New York has brought a $1 million boost to charities supporting disadvantaged children and young people in Suffolk, England. Singer Ed Sheeran joined Ipswich Town Football Club chairman and chief executive Mark Ashton at the invitation-only event in late September 2026, where an exclusive performance and charity auction helped raise the money. According to the Lentonbrook Foundation’s official announcement, published on October 19, the entire amount will remain in Suffolk and support local charities and community organisations. The fundraising milestone will allow the foundation to expand its work with young people and families who need additional support.
Ed Sheeran joins New York fundraising event
The event brought together investors associated with Ipswich Town Football Club and guests from their wider networks. Former Ipswich Town captain Matt Holland hosted the evening, which featured a conversation with Ashton and Sheeran before the singer performed for attendees. A charity auction also formed part of the programme, helping the Lentonbrook Foundation raise $1 million, equivalent to approximately £750,000.The fundraiser was organised to support disadvantaged children and young people in Suffolk, Sheeran’s home county. Although the event took place thousands of miles away in New York, its proceeds are intended to benefit communities across the English county. Ashton, who founded the Lentonbrook Foundation, thanked Sheeran, the guests and everyone who contributed to the fundraising effort. He said the achievement would bring significant new funding to Suffolk and help local organisations reach more young people, create opportunities and make a lasting difference. The foundation said the money would build on its existing work with grassroots charities and community groups rather than support a single project.
Foundation focuses on disadvantaged young people
The Lentonbrook Foundation was established by Ashton, who also serves as chairman and chief executive of Ipswich Town Football Club. Its work centres on supporting charities and community organisations that help underprivileged children and young people across Suffolk. The foundation supports a range of initiatives for disadvantaged children and young people, including projects that provide supportive environments, educational and recreational opportunities, and specialist services for vulnerable groups.Its existing projects demonstrate the range of support it provides. These include creating a sensory room at Langer Primary Academy in Felixstowe, funding youth activities delivered by Whitton Youth Partnership in Ipswich and supporting woodland adventure days through Green Light Trust. The foundation has also supported specialist services for young people affected by domestic abuse in West Suffolk.These initiatives address different challenges faced by children and families, from the need for supportive learning environments to access to outdoor experiences and services designed for vulnerable young people. The newly raised funds will enable the foundation to extend this work and provide additional assistance to organisations already connected to local communities.
$1 million to remain in Suffolk
One of the central commitments attached to the fundraiser is that all the money raised will stay in Suffolk and directly benefit communities across the county. The foundation said local charities and community organisations were well placed to understand the needs of the children and families they serve. Additional funding could help these groups expand their services, reach more young people and provide opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.For small community organisations, funding can support practical initiatives that make a difference to everyday life. These may include safe spaces for young people, activities outside school, access to specialist services and opportunities to participate in educational or recreational programmes. Ashton said the foundation wanted to help children access support and experiences they might otherwise miss. He described the fundraising result as an example of what could be achieved when people came together around a shared purpose. The Lentonbrook Foundation says it welcomes grant applications from charities and organisations supporting disadvantaged children and young people across Suffolk.
Music and philanthropy support local communities
Sheeran’s appearance gave the private event a musical centrepiece, while the auction and contributions from attendees helped turn the evening into a significant fundraising effort. The result also reflects the role that private donors, business networks and public figures can play in supporting community organisations. By directing the proceeds towards existing local initiatives, the foundation intends to build on programmes that already have connections with children and families in need.The $1 million raised in New York will provide additional resources for charities working across Suffolk, from Ipswich and Felixstowe to communities in West Suffolk. For the Lentonbrook Foundation, the event represents a substantial fundraising milestone and an opportunity to broaden its support. For the organisations receiving assistance, the money could help extend services and create further opportunities for disadvantaged young people.The fundraiser’s significance ultimately lies in its local impact. With all the money dedicated to Suffolk, the Lentonbrook Foundation aims to turn one evening of music, generosity and charitable giving into practical support for children and families across Sheeran’s home county.