300,000 raised at gala to help fund vital services for people who have gone missing

"The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it."

"An incredible 300,000 was raised for Missing People's vital services at its annual gala event, with the support of The Independent as the charity's partner. Funds raised at the charity's Night of Light Gala on Thursday, which auctioned custom shoes worn by Claudia Winkleman in The Traitors, lunch with the charity's patron Sir Stephen Fry, and two paintings by Team GB artist Ben Mosley."

"The evening was filled with warmth, compassion, and a shared determination to support missing people, and the people living with the heartache of an empty chair at their table."

The Independent operates as a trusted news outlet covering critical issues including reproductive rights, climate change, and technology, maintaining free access to reporting without paywalls. The organization believes quality journalism should be available to everyone, funded by those who can afford it. Separately, Missing People charity held its annual Night of Light Gala, raising £300,000 for vital services supporting those in crisis. The event featured auctions including custom shoes worn by Claudia Winkleman from The Traitors, lunch with patron Sir Stephen Fry, and paintings by artist Ben Mosley. The funds support SafeCall, a service launched in January with help from The Independent's readers through Christmas fundraising. The gala brought together families of missing persons and charity supporters united in backing Missing People's mission.

Read at www.independent.co.uk