"We wanted to give people the time to reflect and hear from God, because it's about more than money. It's about the talents, experience and expertise that we can give as well."
Romance Academy, an abstinence-based relationships programme for teenagers, said the £22,000 in pledges they attracted during the evening would help roll out the academy across the UK and internationally.
Rachel Gardner, Romance Academy's Creative Director, welcomed the Cross Pollinate initiative.
"When you are a new charity and it's something you passionately believe in, it's not just about making ends meet. It's about wanting people to catch your vision," she shared.
"No charity wants to be supported by a cold cheque. Even though they need money, they want people to catch what their heart is.
"That's what this is about. People gave because they caught what it is that we are trying to do.
"It's so great that the body of Christ will not only cash a cheque but also catch the fire."
Bird and Wilkins are looking to hold even more Cross Pollinates in the future. The next event is already planned for Thursday 13 November at Barclays Wealth, when a fresh mix of charities will have the opportunity to showcase their projects.
Mike Royal of The Lighthouse Group, a Christian charity working to reintegrate excluded school pupils into the education system, is equally enthusiastic about Cross Pollinate.
"Sometimes the whole grant-making procedure, both for the donors and the charities, can be a little bit bland, almost white wall-ish, and you don't really see what goes on behind the scenes. But this is really organic," he says.
"It's really great to bring both those who are delivering on the ground and those who can support financially together in the same room. The energy here - fantastic."
On the web: www.crosspollinate.co.uk
