E-UNIQUE FUNDRAISING EVENT

On the Saturday 5th of October 2013 from 6pm-10pm an extremely unique fundraising event took place at the Hammersmith Town Hall, helping to raise funds for E-Unique a local not-for-profit social enterprise. This event played host to some amazing artists, great food, with some fantastic prizes to be won. A game changer for this growing enterprise!

With help from Body Shop and Events 4 Youth, E-Unique offered theatre tickets and signed music memorabilia amongst other prizes in their raffle. Body Shop donated 30 gift bags for the first 30 people as well as hand massages through out the event.

The day was filled with good music from some awesome performers and the debut performance of the group born out of the workshops run by E-Unique. The Uniquez performed their song “One Nation” which was created by the group of over 25’s who are coping with disabilities.

There are a lot of youth programmes for people under the age of 25 in London, however there is not so much for the over 25’s. E-Unique was set up because its founder Eugenia Bertin’s passion for music surpasses the mainstream’s acceptance of disabled artists. With her involvement in music projects, she did not want anyone excluded from having the chance to be creative. Eugenia say’s “I don’t like people being labeled” and wants to deliver exciting creative programmes for everyone no matter their background. She has managed to raise over a quarter of a million pounds for the HAFAD (now Action on Disability) and also helped other charities raise funds.

In its short life span of three years E-Unique has run workshops in percussion, songwriting, visual art and DJing. In conjunction with filmmaker Jenny Rose, E-Unique helped develop a music video for Lil’ Raz’s song “Why did you?”

FUNDRAISING BBQ

As you know this event wasn’t about me, it was about the music and raising money to buy equipment and run workshops with in the community. This is an ongoing venture and a real passion for me that enables me to give back to the community that has helped me over the years and continues to do so. I would like to say congratulations to the winners of the auctions and raffles taking home some fantastic prizes. With their support we were able to raise £400 that will go towards buying equipment and funding workshops in the future.

We would like to thank all those who attended our Fundraising BBQ. I would also like to thank all the people behind the scenes for supporting me and making this happen.

  

   

               

E-UNIQUE OFFICIAL LAUNCH

On 21st April 2012, the E-Unique social enterprise launch event took place at The Harrow Club. One of the main guests was Simon Britton, a well-known producer in the music industry, who worked with Eugenia Bertin – director of the enterprise. Eugenia is also an active member of the Events 4 Youth team, which worked closely with E-Unique on the organisation and running of the launch event. Eugenia Bertin, who suffers from cerebral palsy, decided to “unite the community under the banner of music” and begin the E-Unique project, which runs different creative workshops for both able and disabled young people. These workshops are designed to develop young people’s talent in singing, dancing and overall creative activities.

The event was both an official launch event for this exciting new project and a fundraiser to raise much needed funds for future work with young artists. During the launch party, guests bought raffle tickets, two of the main prizes being a trip to Paris and an HD TV. There were also signed goodies auctioned including a picture of Simon Cowell signed by Cowell himself.

Simon Britton flew from Los Angeles just to support Eugenia’s launch event. He emotionally said that he got inspired by Eugenia’s “passion for music and helping the community”. Simon also added that “I will do more to support E-Unique”. Britton’s drive and passion further energised the mood of the event. Lastly, he whooped “I’m going crazy over E-Unique!”

Some of the key members of the E-Unique team from the start have been Nathaniel Sobhee (A.K.A Natty) and Sophie Pringle. Sophie elaborated on the importance of volunteers supporting such a project “People underestimate their time because someone like Eugenia cannot do anything at once, so volunteers do a great deal in keeping the project running”.

Eugenia felt positive about how the event went and was grateful to all the people who attended. All supporters wanted to see E-Unique expand into other parts of London where such charitable projects are much needed. This highlights Eugenia’s point about the “gap in the market” for organisations like E-Unique.

By Aleks Halamins

A RESOURCEFUL Shepherd’s Bush resident is determined to unite people through music and has launched a enterprise to help achieve her goal.

Eugenia Bertin has been trying to get E-Unique off the ground for the past four years, and is finally preparing for the official launch party on Saturday, April 21.

Through the enterprise, groups of people are invited to record a different element of a song, such as percussion or vocals. The parts will then be mixed together to create a single.

The project is based on the idea that music can be therapeutic and is open to all groups that might benefit, including disabled teenagers, adults with learning difficulties and homeless people.

Eugenia, 27, who has cerebral palsy, said: “It all began around four years ago when I noticed there was a gap in the market because there’s nothing out there for over-25s and teenagers with disabilities to mix.

“We’re hoping to work with homeless and rehab centres and children’s homes offering music therapy sessions.

“People forget that creating music is very good therapy – putting your emotions down and recording it.

“It’s about bringing people in and creating a unique sound together.

“It’s been quite difficult getting to this stage with all the paperwork and making sure all the policies are correct, but we’re finally ready to launch.”

E-Unique has four venues across London, including the Hammersmith and Fulham Action for Disability (HAFAD) centre in Greswell Street, Fulham, which can host music sessions.

Over time Eugenia hopes to find her own building but at the moment is focusing on raising the profile of the foundation.

One man who has thrown his support behind E-Unique is award-winning music producer Simon Britton, who has worked with the likes of Leona Lewis, Sting and Beverley Knight.

He said: “I was so inspired by Eugenia and it’s such a unique thing that she’s doing, I couldn’t say no to her.

“I’m involved in other charities, but this one just seemed a little bit different. It’s starting small, but it will be big.”

Thanks to Mr Britton’s industry connections, there will be several signed goodies available for raffle at next Saturday’s launch party at The Harrow Club, in Freston Road, Shepherd’s Bush.

 

 

   

 

Company Number: 07609213