The first office bearers in Ulster were Campbell Keatings as Chairman, Roy Rennix as Treasurer and Jimmy Burns as Secretary, who helped to build a solid foundation for the Region. The first project received a contribution of £2900 but the contributions have grown quickly over the years with the Cedar Foundation receiving £120K in 2009.

Allen Gibson and John Henry then took over as Chairman and Treasurer respectively. Allen retired from the post in 2009, and Peter Wood took over, but hopefully the Committee remains a small but efficient unit, with Jimmy still remaining as Honorary Secretary. Fundraising events over the years have varied from yacht days to horseracing events and film premieres.

In addition the Annual Dinner is now a regular event in the social calendar for many and over the years our Speakers have included many Rugby personalities as well as local and national entertainers.

Over the last two years highlights have included a Lunch to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Ireland's first Grand Slam in 1948 and then at our most recent Dinner we were privileged to have the four Ulster Members of the 2009 Ireland Team in attendance.

Support from Rugby Football Clubs

The Region receives great support from the joint Honorary Presidents, two great Irish and Lions players, Dr Jack Kyle OBE and Willie-John McBride MBE. Both dedicate a large amount of time to the Charity, for which we are very grateful.  In addition many Rugby clubs such as Armagh, Dromore, Malone, Carrick and Donaghadee have raised funds for Spoon. Regular supporters also include the Perennials RFC who run a popular race day at Down Royal Racecourse. In addition, we have recently been recognised as a Nominated Charity by Ulster Rugby and are very grateful for their  cooperation with our fundraising to date.

Ulster Yacht Squadron

We are very grateful to our member Colin Anderson whose firm has organised several prestigious events on Strangford Lough, resulting in significant fundraising for Spoon. 
 
Graham Hunter

Graham Hunter and several friends from the North-West of the province assisted us greatly with 3 successive Golf Days at Ballyliffin Golf Club in Donegal. These helped to make a significant contribution to the Cedar Foundation project.

Michael Boyd

Michael ran the Marathon de Sables in 2008 and raised £13k for Spoon- a magnificent achievement!

How we spend donations in Ulster

All this great fundraising has led to some significant project fundings, which we list below. During these difficult economic times, let us hope that we can continue the momentum and continue to assist disadvantaged children and young people throughout the province. It will not be for lack of trying!