Scientology 15th Annual Charity Concert at the Church’s UK Headquarters Benefits Sussex Air Ambulance

EAST GRINSTEAD, SUSSEX—Funds raised by Scientologists at the 15th annual Gala Charity Concert at the UK headquarters of the Church of Scientology this month purchased two urgently needed fast response vehicles for Sussex Air Ambulance. The organization delivers medical crews to accidents and medical emergencies and transports patients to the nearest major hospital or specialist unit in a fraction of the time a land ambulance takes.

While most of Sussex Air Ambulance rescues are by air, the charity also needs fast response vehicles for rescues in bad weather and at night.

This year, instead of the traditional check presentation at the end of the concert, two fast response vehicles were raced into the hall, lights flashing, and presented to Air Ambulance Chief Executive and three of his medical staff who accepted the gift on behalf of their team and those whose lives these vehicles will save.

The more than 1,500 attending the concert enjoyed a broad range of entertainment—jazz and swing to hip-hop and rock and roll—from Chill E.B., the Jive Aces, Jackie Wilson, Mari Percy, Christian Durocher, Michele Henderson and Cody Boogie Boy Lee, with a surprise finale dance performance by Kirstie Alley.

The Charity Concert was the final event of the three-day celebration of the 27th anniversary of the International Association of Scientologists held this year from October 14-16. Attended by more than 6,000 Scientologists and guests, the annual event included a day of seminars on IAS-sponsored humanitarian campaigns providing drug education and prevention, human rights education the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program—the largest independent relief force on Earth.

Saint Hill Manor is a site of great historical importance to Scientologists: It was home to Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard from 1959 to 1966, and where he completed development of an exact route anyone may travel to attain true spiritual freedom.

In 1984, leading Scientologists from around the world met at Saint Hill to found the International Association of Scientologists with this purpose: “To unite, advance, support and protect the Scientology religion and Scientologists in all parts of the world, so as to achieve the aims of Scientology as originated by L. Ron Hubbard.”