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Julia Morley becomes first ever British woman to be made International President of Variety, The Children’s Charity
Julia Morley, Chairman of the Miss World Organisation, was inaugurated by Variety, The Children’s Charity, as their new International President at a Royal Dinner held in the Guildhall in the City of London on the 5th May. Julia Morley is the first British woman ever to hold the presidency for the world’s most famous showbiz charity which has been helping disabled and disadvantaged kids for over 80 years.
On a night that celebrated charity and goodwill it was announced that since the inception of the Julia Morley’s Beauty with a Purpose theme, the total amount raised by the Miss World Organisation has risen to over $500 million. Special recognition went to Zi Lin Zhang (Miss World 2007) who raised a record $32 million during her reign, whilst present Miss World, Ksenia Sukinhova has already raised $17 million during her first three months.
In support of Julia Morley’s historic appointment, ten previous Miss World winners spanning almost six decades flew in from all over the world to witness her join a list of names that include Lord Mountbatten in the famous Guildhall. This occasion was the first time outside of the competition that this many previous Miss World winners have been together in the same place and Julia Morley was joined on stage by the likes of Denise Perrier Lanfranchi (France), crowned Miss World 56 years ago in 1953, Wilnelia Merced Forsyth (Puerto Rico) Miss World 1975, Kimberley Santos Hill (Guam) Miss World 1980, and Lisa Hanna (Jamaica) Miss World 1993.
Gloria Hunniford hosted the special event in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and special messages supporting variety’s work from Barack Obama, Prince Charles and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh appeared in the convention programme. There were also fantastic performances from pianist Robert Emery, classical singer Hayley Westenra and The Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir as well as video messages from Simon Cowell and Sir Elton John.
Julia Morley commented ‘It is an honour to be made the International President of Variety, an organisation that does so much to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. I look forward to my two year tenure with great anticipation and hope to use my experience to bring new qualities to the role. I am also very touched that ten previous Miss World but also my dear friends travelled here in support’
Other charity work that was recognised at the event included that of Don and Deyon Stevens’ Mercy Ships who received the Humanitarian Award; past recipients of the award include Audrey Hepburn, Roger Moore, and Winston Churchill. Also honoured were Roger Daltrey, who received The Variety International Special Award and Richard Desmond who was presented with the Catherine Variety Sheriden Award.
SOURCE: http://www.missworld.com/index.php/en/news/106
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