Gifted Young Gravesham secures £50k donation from American businessman Christopher B Munday

A youth club at risk of closure due to funding cuts has been provided with a funding “lifeline”.

Gifted Young Gravesham (GYG) has received a £50,000 donation from American businessman Christopher B Munday, who grew up in the borough.

The group is only one of many youth services that are at threat of closing following a change in Kent County Council (KCC) funding.

In 2023, the local authority decided to end its subsidy programme for youth clubs and other activities to save £900,000 and instead created “family hubs”.

The government-led scheme meant essential services were brought together under one umbrella.

Critics branded the move “short-sighted” and protests were held by youngsters, including members of GYG, outside County Hall, in Maidstone, to voice their anger over the cuts.

GYG has since had to find new ways of funding its services, which cost around £200,000 a year, by securing grants and through crowdfunding.

On Friday, March 7, the group held a show at the Woodville Halls which brought in more than £7,000 from ticket sales and contributions from audience members.

However, it also received £50,000, its biggest personal donation, from Mr Munday who was visiting his hometown with his wife Louise at the time.

Taking to the stage, he spoke about the importance of giving children and young people a positive start in life, offering them opportunities and providing them with essential support.

He said: “Hearing the journey of the performers was truly overwhelming for Louise and I.

“It was a great reminder of our own upbringing in Gravesend coupled with a strong desire to help keep GYG fulfilling its mission of changing lives in such a personal and unique way.”

Mr Munday grew up in Northfleet following his adoption where he went from living in a council estate to running global companies in the paper and apparel industries.

He then moved to Utah with his wife Louise where he is the chief executive of the premier sales and marketing agency, 2020 Companies, based in Texas.

The pair then started the Louise and Christopher B. Munday Foundation, which supports several groups that help young people in America.

The donation to GYG is its first to an organisation based outside of the USA.

A spokeswoman for the group, based in Gravesend, said the money has provided it with a “lifeline” and is a “huge step forward” for the organisation as it continues to meet its fundraising goal.

She added: “We cannot express our thanks enough for this incredible donation and the support of the Louise and Christopher B. Munday Foundation.

“Their donation will make a significant difference and help us continue to support the health, well-being and futures of young people in the area.”

The fundraising show featured GYG young people who performed alongside West End professionals including Eddie Eliot of The Lion King and Leanne Jones of Hairspray The Musical.