We joined guests at Bridgewater Hall to celebrate the life and legacy of Sir Howard Bernstein, our dear friend, benefactor, and very first Ambassador. Tuesday 12th November's memorial event was a fitting tribute to a man who shaped modern Manchester and left an indelible mark on our city's history.
The celebration highlighted Sir Howard's profound impact on Manchester, with a key role in the city's post-industrial resurgence and visionary leadership in major projects like the 2002 Commonwealth Games and subsequent transformation in the East of the city. But his legacy extends far beyond the physical transformation of our city; it lives on in the lives of countless Mancunians he continues to inspire.
We Love MCR Charity was honoured to play a significant role in the memorial. A video featuring five of our Rising Stars showcased the transformative power of the Manchester's Rising Stars Fund, born from Sir Howard's retirement dinner in 2017, which raised an incredible £484,500 for the SHB Endowment Fund (administered by WLMC). This fund has already changed the lives of nearly 300 young Mancunians, embodying Sir Howard's vision for a brighter future for the next generation.
Two of our Rising Stars, both supported by the Fund in 2021, had the privilege of participating in person. Samuel Remi-Akinwale, now CEO of Young Manchester, read the Civic Prayer to the 1,000 guests in attendance, while Helena Logah, a virtuoso viola player and violinist, performed a moving rendition of 'Sonata No. 2 Obsession (Prelude)' by Eugene Ysaye.
The Hallé orchestra's brass section playing Blue Moon the fan's anthem of Manchester City, Sir Howard's beloved football club, added a personal touch to the proceedings. In a playful nod to his passion for the club, a 'no red' dress code was observed, prompting us to change our logo colour for the first time, to a shade of blue used by Sir Howard's office.
Figures from local and national government, and his beloved Manchester City, spoke of their experiences with Sir Howard, before his many loving family members gave the most touching tributes at the end of proceedings.
As we reflect on Sir Howard's immense contributions, we are heartened by the outpouring of support for his enduring legacy. The JustGiving page set up for the event had already raised over £50,000 before the memorial, ensuring that Sir Howard's vision of investing in positive futures for young Mancunians will continue to thrive.
Sir Howard Bernstein's impact on Manchester and on We Love MCR Charity cannot be overstated. His legacy of transformation, opportunity, and ambition for our city will continue to inspire and guide us as we work to empower the next generation of Mancunians. We are forever grateful for his friendship, support, and the lasting difference he has made to our charity and our city.
We Love MCR Charity thanks you, Sir Howard 🩵
If you wish to donate directly to the SHB Endowment Fund, administered by ourselves to empower young Mancunians, please visit the JustGiving page here: https://justgiving.com/campaign/shb-memorial
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