Thomson Financial?s IFR last night raised £2,357,000 for Save the Children at its 12th annual awards dinner. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, attending in her capacity as President of Save the Children, presented Goldman Sachs with the coveted Bank of the Year Award 2006.

The money was raised during the evening with participants pledging amounts over ten minutes through an ?interactive charity bidding board? hosted by Sir Matthew Pinsent, quadruple Olympic Gold medallist rower. The world?s leading investment banks competed for places on the bidding board. After a frenetic final few minutes, Goldman Sachs ended up as bookrunner, donating £600,000. Over the last 12 years, the event has raised £14,027,014 for Save the Children. The Dinner, held in the Great Room at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London, and attended by 1,400 senior investment bankers, was organised by Thomson Financial?s IFR (International Financing Review). Once again, the event was a sell out, and continues to be recognised as the key awards ceremony for global financiers. Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs, accepted the Bank of the Year award at the ceremony, which was compered by comedian Rob Brydon. Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive of Save the Children, said: ?Save the Children is incredibly grateful for the continued support given by the banking world at the Thomson IFR Awards. Since its inception, these awards have raised Save the Children in excess of £14 million. This has given Save the Children the ability to help the lives of thousands of children throughout the world.? Keith Mullin, Editor of IFR, commented: ?I am absolutely delighted that the investment banking industry continues to support the tremendous work carried out by Save the Children, with whom we have a long-standing and fruitful relationship. STC's efforts across the globe are truly outstanding. The funds raised last night will finance vital projects and will provide essential relief to some of the world's most vulnerable children. A full list of winners can be viewed at www.ifrawards.com. Save the Children fights for children in the UK and around the world who suffer from poverty, disease, injustice and violence. We work with them to find lifelong answers to the problems they face. For more information about our work visit our website www.savethechildren.org.uk