Taunton businesses raise over £500 for Young Somerset's STAR Opportunity Fund at charity quiz night
TAUNTON, SOMERSET UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 20, 2026 / Businesses and organisations from across Taunton came together for a charity quiz night on Thursday 15 October, raising £512 for STAR, Young Somerset's Opportunity Fund, which helps children and young people overcome financial barriers to accessing opportunities and activities.
Organised by Taunton Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Taunton Young Chamber, the event took place at Taunton Vale Sports Club and brought together members of the local business community for an evening of friendly competition and fundraising in aid of Young Somerset.
The evening raised funds through team ticket sales, a raffle and direct donations, with Clarke Willmott taking the top spot in the quiz.
Bethan Turner, Membership and Events Manager at Taunton Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This charity quiz night was a fantastic example of Taunton Chamber of Commerce and Taunton Young Chamber collaborating to support a great cause. We’re hugely grateful to Taunton Vale Sports Club, a fellow Chamber member, for kindly waiving its hire fee to maximise the fundraising opportunity for Young Somerset.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who bought a team ticket and generously supported the raffle. A special thank you to our Quiz Mistress, Rachel Walker-House, for keeping everyone entertained and making the evening such a success.
“This event really showed how our local business community can come together, have fun, support one another and make a positive difference.”
The funds raised will go directly towards STAR, Young Somerset's Opportunity Fund, which provides small grants to help children and young people access opportunities they might otherwise miss out on. This can include support towards the cost of sports clubs, music lessons, equipment and other activities that help build confidence, develop skills and improve wellbeing.
Nik Harwood, Chief Executive of Young Somerset, said:
“We're incredibly grateful to Taunton Chamber of Commerce, Taunton Young Chamber and everyone who supported the quiz night. It's fantastic to see local businesses coming together to make a real difference to young people's lives.
“Every penny raised will go directly towards STAR, our Opportunity Fund, helping children and young people who might otherwise miss out on opportunities because of financial circumstances. Whether that's funding sports club memberships, music lessons or essential equipment, these opportunities can make a huge difference to a young person's confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
“£512 is a wonderful amount to raise in one evening, and we're so grateful to everyone involved for helping us create more opportunities for young people across Somerset.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Media enquiries
For further information, interview requests or additional media enquiries, please contact:
Karen Morledge
Director of Marketing, Communications & PR, Young Somerset
Founder, Morledge & Co.
karenmorledge@youngsomerset.org.uk | 07717 756644
Media relations for Young Somerset are supported by Morledge & Co.
Media assets
High-resolution versions of the accompanying photographs are available on request.
Image 1: Representatives from Taunton businesses and organisations at the charity quiz night at Taunton Vale Sports Club, which raised £512 for Young Somerset. Credit: Young Somerset.
Image 2: Members of the Young Somerset team enjoying the charity quiz night in support of the charity’s STAR Fund. Credit: Young Somerset.
About Young Somerset
Young Somerset is the largest youth and community support charity in Somerset, providing targeted services for children, young people and their families in response to the needs of the communities it serves.
Founded in 1997 as Somerset Rural Youth Project, the charity puts young people at the heart of everything it does. Its work includes alternative education provision, mental health and wellbeing support, supported internships and work-based learning, and youth work delivered in healthcare, education and community settings.
Young Somerset works in partnership with young people, families, communities and statutory and voluntary-sector organisations to create opportunities, improve wellbeing and help young people achieve positive outcomes.
Young Somerset is a registered charity in England and Wales (1070693) and a company limited by guarantee (03363009). Further information is available at www.youngsomerset.org.uk.
About STAR – Young Somerset's Opportunity Fund
STAR is Young Somerset's Opportunity Fund, providing small grants to help children and young people across Somerset overcome financial barriers to accessing opportunities and activities that support their personal development and wellbeing.
The fund can help with the cost of activities such as sport, music and youth groups, as well as equipment and other associated costs, ensuring more young people have the opportunity to participate, develop their skills and build confidence.
For further information about STAR, including how to access support or contribute to the fund, please email star@youngsomerset.org.uk.
Contacts
Karen Morledge
karen@morledgeandco.comMorledge & Co.
Phone: 07717 756644 Mobile: 07717 756644
www.morledgeandco.com