More than one hundred invited guests, including clients, colleagues and representatives of Liverpool’s business community and charities sector joined BWMacfarlane accountants last week at Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock.

BWMacfarlane hosted the evening in association with Rathbones and Jackson Canter Solicitors to raise awareness for local charity The Michael Causer Foundation; and welcomed CEO of the Foundation and local restaurateur, Stuart Fitzgerald.

Stuart promoted the Foundation’s efforts to eradicate hate crime and in particular discrimination against the LGBT community in Liverpool, following the tragic events of Michael Causer’s death in 2008.

He said:

“I am a father of five grown up children. My second son is the same age Michael Causer would have been and came out aged 17, the same year that Michael died. My son has also, on occasion, been the victim of discrimination – taunting, name calling, sideways glances – it’s time we overcame ignorance and prejudices within our society.

“In 2014, there was one homophobic hate crime reported for each day of the year here in Liverpool. As custodians of this city, we simply cannot allow this to continue. We must work together to tackle hate crime across the board – whether it be against race, religion or sexuality.

“The Michael Causer Foundation aims to do just that, whilst delivering support and motivating young people, so that we might create a positive legacy in Michael’s memory.

“Huge thanks to BWMmacfarlane, Rathbones and Jackson Canter for the support they have provided this evening. This sort of support is incredibly important to our continued efforts to stamp out hate crime and safeguard young LGBT people.”

Peter Taaffe, managing partner at BWMacfarlane added:

“There is, nor has there ever been room for sexual or transgender discrimination in our society. Michael’s untimely death will always serve as a reminder of the sort of ignorance that can fuel violence and hate – and must be overcome.

“I’m delighted to welcome Stuart Fitzgerald here this evening, along with Michael’s parents Marie and Mike; and only hope that evenings like this might help to highlight some of the ongoing issues for the LGBT community and raise awareness for the Michael Causer Foundation and the important work that they do.”

“Our thanks to Rathbones and Jackson Canter for working with us on this evening’s event and to Tate Liverpool, our gracious hosts. It’s wonderful to be able to enjoy a slice of culture at this fantastic venue on our city’s wonderful waterfront. We’re pleased to be able to share this experience with so many of our clients, colleagues and friends.”

Guests were treated to a private view of two exhibitions currently running at Tate Liverpool; Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots and Glenn Ligon: Encounters and Collisions. Canapes were served throughout the evening along with drinks provided by Liverpool Gin.

“Our thanks to Rathbones and Jackson Canter for working with us on this evening’s event and to Tate Liverpool, our gracious hosts. It’s wonderful to be able to enjoy a slice of culture at this fantastic venue on our city’s wonderful waterfront. We’re pleased to be able to share this experience with so many of our clients, colleagues and friends. ”

Guests were treated to a private view of two exhibitions currently running at Tate Liverpool; Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots and Glenn Ligon: Encounters and Collisions. Canapes were served throughout the evening along with drinks provided by Liverpool Gin.