Businessman John Studzinski was today announced the winner of the Special Beacon Prize for Most Generous Businessman. He was chosen by an independent panel of judges after the public nominated him for his outstanding contribution to charity.
John was chosen for his extensive work in helping people from deprived walks of life. He set up the Genesis Foundation (formerly the John Studzinski Foundation) in 1996 which helps and supports young artists, playwrights and musicians by providing them with practical and financial support in the earliest stages of their careers. He is also Chairman of Business Action on Homelessness, a unique organisation that changes the perceptions companies have of homelessness and helps homeless people back into employment.
John's work for the homeless has earned him praise from Prince Charles and recognition from the Pope. John was a founder member of the Passage Day Centre, one of the largest day care centres for the homeless in London. In his free time it is not unusual to see John working as a volunteer at the local soup kitchen, as he tirelessly works at every level to improve the quality of life for the homeless.
Emily Stonor, Chief Executive of Beacon, said "John's tireless work over and above the call of duty shows just what a difference one man can make. His efforts at changing the perception of the homeless have in turn changed many people's lives, as he has helped innumerable homeless people back into work."
John added, "I am delighted to receive this award and would like to dedicate it to all the people whom I have met and learnt from in my experiences with young artists, the homeless and human rights defenders."
The Beacon Prize celebrates and raises the profile of charitable giving in the UK by giving recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to charity, whether through giving resources, time or specialist skills. John is one of the 2004 Beacon Prize winners, who also include Sir Bob Geldof and Jamie Oliver.
ENDS For further information please contact Jennifer Morgan on 020 7861 8609 or email jmorgan@bell-pottinger.co.uk. or Emily Stonor at Beacon on 020 7849 6550 or email emily.stonor@beaconfellowship.org.uk
Editors Notes:
BEACON PRIZE 2004
John Studzinski KCSS, KSG for his contribution to the arts and his active support for the homeless
Prize Category: Special Prize for the Most Generous Business Leader
John Studzinski is one of the most creative and entrepreneurial philanthropists to be found in the City today. John, a star investment banker, has found the time and resources to support the causes he believes in. He set up the Genesis Foundation in 1996 to support young artists, playwrights and musicians. He is also Chairman of Business Action on Homelessness, a unique organisation that changes businesses' perception of homelessness and helps homeless people back into employment.
Genesis is involved in projects that provide practical and financial support for young artists in the earliest stages of their career. In 2002, the Foundation engaged in a five-year partnership with the Prince's Trust to provide start-up loans for young people wishing to set up creative enterprises. The most visible work of the Foundation has been the Genesis Prize for Opera, set up in 2001. A major investment in modern chamber opera, it not only finances the writing of new music theatre but also ensures that new works are produced.
Business Action on Homelessness is a unique partnership between the organisation 'Business in the Community' and leading companies, homeless agencies and the Government. The campaign has been running since 1998, raising companies' awareness of homelessness nationwide and working with businesses to equip homeless people with the skills needed to gain and sustain employment. It encourages companies to provide work placements and training courses, assisting the homeless back into work.
John promotes corporate social responsibility and regularly organises visits for business people to see homeless projects in action. He is, as well, a founder member of the Passage Day Centre, one of the largest day care centres for the homeless in London where he is often to be found.
John was appointed as a Trustee of the Tate Gallery in 1998; he serves as a Life Trustee of the Sir John Soane's Museum and is a Trustee of Human Rights Watch of New York. In 2000 he received the Prince of Wales Ambassador's Award in recognition of his support for the homeless, and a year later, Pope John Paul II made him a Knight of the Order of St Gregory. John was born and raised in the USA and came to the UK in the early '80s.
"The big challenge now is to help homeless people break the cycle of homelessness and get them into long-term employment. A new idea is required for this and John Studzinski has had it!" His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, 2002
Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust
The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust (Beacon) seeks to promote an improved culture of giving, in which it is natural for those who are best able to contribute to charitable and social causes, to use their time, energy, ability and resources for the public good.
The Beacon Prize is an annual awards scheme designed to recognise and showcase individuals who have made exceptional contributions to charitable or social causes. The winners are likely to have helped create or transform a charity, project or cause through providing leadership, skill, time or money.
www.beaconfellowship.org.uk for press releases and biographies of the winners
Beacon Prize Winners 2004:
- Sir Bob Geldof - Leadership
- Dr Mohammad Amran - Community Builder
- Rosalind Portman - New Initiatives
- Professor Peter Guthrie - Creative Giving
- Bruce Crowther - Creative Giving
- Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson - Risk Taking
- Jake Bonsall - Young Philanthropist
- Jamie Oliver - Most Generous Celebrity
- John Studzinsky - Most Generous Business Leader
- Francesca D'Arcy - Most Generous Young Person
- Major Richard Carr-Gomm - Lifetime Achievement
- Sigrid Rausing - Judges' Special Prize
- Dr Frederick Mulder - Judges' Special Prize Ann Cotton - Judges' Special Prize
- Dr Mora Scott - Scotland
- Sir David Rowe-Beddoe - Wales
- Dennis Humble - England
- Niall Fitzduff - Northern Ireland
