16th Annual Church of Scientology Charity Concert - Raises £50,000  To Aid Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Sunday October 21st, an audience of over 1500, including mayors, dignitaries and other special guests, attended a musical spectacular hosted by the Church of Scientology at Saint Hill Manor. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charitable institution founded in 1824 to save lives at sea, was the beneficiary of this 16th annual Gala Charity Concert staged in the Grand Marquee—one of the largest marquees in Europe.

Mistress of Ceremonies Marisol Nichols, a star from Fox Television's drama series "24", introduced an audience from around the world to a wide spectrum of music. They were treated to top class acts, from award-winning Gospel singer Jesse Stevenson and Italian Queen of Jazz Elena Roggero to rapper Chill E.B. Special guest Rebecca Grant, singer and actress known for playing Nurse Daisha Anderson in "Holby City", joined The Jive Acres—the UK's top jive band—for two of their high octane numbers.

Over the 16 years that the Saint Hill Gala Charity Concert has been taking place, numerous and varied charities have been supported—from the Sussex Air Ambulance and RSPCA, to the National Drug Prevention Alliance and the Bluebell Railway Trust. The concert follows the tradition initiated by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1960's when Saint Hill Manor was his home and he supported many of the local charities.

Speaking on behalf of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Mr. Peter Tarrant said he was overwhelmed with the cheque for £50,000, which he received on stage from Ms Marianne Rowell of the Church of Scientology. He said this will fund the Lifeboat Crew Room at the brand new Lifeboat Station in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Mr Tarrant expressed his gratitude to the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation and the Church of Scientology and all who made the concert possible. He said, "This enormous contribution will mean so much to our life-saving activities. I also love the special connection with Master Mariner L. Ron Hubbard who supported the RNLI when he lived at Saint Hill Manor."

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Scientology organization was formed in the United States in 1952 and the religion has expanded to more than 10,000 Organizations, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.