Would you take part in a Get Me Out of Here challenge, based on the TV show, even if it were for a good cause? A dozen chief executives did. Gina Long pays tribute to their efforts, and a host of folk who have worked hard to help others
Wow. It’s been such a busy month of FUNdraising. Seeing so many businesses and people giving back to the community is utterly heart-warming. I cannot begin to imagine the difference made to the lives of people because of the commitment, dedication and tireless effort of all those involved in organising and participating in so many wonderful events.
One of Suffolk’s many charity superstar supporters is John Dugmore, CEO of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, who took part in “I’m a CEO: Get Me Out of Here!” John raised an outstanding £4,200 for St Nicholas Hospice Care.
John, along with several other Suffolk CEOs, took part in challenges such as the blind “touch and hold” test, which included a snake, cockroaches, and even a guinea pig!
And just like the hit show, the eating challenge included a mealworm and tripe smoothie, and a pig’s eye which John said “tastes like chicken gristle”.
Over £20,000 was raised from the 12 CEOs that took part.
? As ever, the wonderful volunteers from the Rotary Club of Bury St Edmunds Abbey helped raise considerable funds at this year’s Abbey Gardens Fireworks Spectacular, which was so well supported.
I would like to give a big shout out to volunteers from Culford School, Lily Gaywood and Imogen Cutler, who helped sell glow-sticks.
? Fifty runners from Team Dedham or Milsom Hotels & Restaurants took their places on the starting line of the Dedham 10k Run.
Team Dedham, made up of my friend Paul Milsom, staff, friends and customers of Milsom Hotels & Restaurants, embarked on what is quite a hilly and tough course after many weeks of preparation.
I’m delighted to report that all runners made it back safely, with their individual and team goals met. Not least Team Dedham, which raised over £23,000 for Bowel Cancer UK, which is an outstanding achievement.
I understand they’re already looking forward to 2018 and hoping to field an even bigger team! To sign up, go to www.milsomhotels.com
? Witches, wizards, zombies, skeletons and many other ghost-like creatures gathered at Witnesham Village Hall on October 27 for a rather spooky Halloween Quiz organised by Graham Parkin, owner of Fortius Recruitment, in aid of GeeWizz Charity.
Graham has kick-started a year of fundraising for GeeWizz by raising £1,000 on the evening of the quiz!
He is also planning a charity football event at Colchester United next year, as well as taking part in four charity runs around the country within weeks of each other.
Graham said: “Fortius Recruitment has always believed in giving back, and we are delighted to be supporting a local charity that makes a difference in my community, and my county.”
Special thanks to Dan Preston and James Mortlock of Tudor Rose, Bury St Edmunds, for donating the beautiful “Thank you bouquets” presented to organising stars Wendy Henderson and Debbie Keys.
Alan Long from MCP Felixstowe made a welcomed top-up donation on the evening too.
? On behalf of myself and the team at my charity GeeWizz, I want to say a HUGE thank you to David Hart of Architectural Building Design Services, and Margaret Horsman of Horsman Interiors, for putting together an outstanding series of plans for a DIY SOS project we are doing on a home for a family in Ipswich.
The plans include a full extension, to provide a young man with severe autism and paediatric epilepsy with a new sensory bedroom and bathroom, equipped to meet his requirements and fulfil his biggest joy in life, which is having a bath.
Our project will also allow the family to have their living room back, where they will be able to spend quality time together.
If you would like to get involved with this fantastic project, contact us by email: gina@geewizzcharity.com or call 01284 754221, extn 4.
A hugely successful event at Tattersalls in Newmarket was in aid of the Newmarket branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
It was a unique chance to see celebrity sportsmen in action of a different kind!
Hosted by the brilliant Clare Balding, two teams led by Frankie Dettori and Jim Crowley answered questions in front of a packed crowd of over 500 guests.
The captains were supported by William Haggas (Newmarket trainer), Nick Knight
(cricketer, Sky Sports), Nick Luck (Racing UK), Mick Quinn (Newmarket trainer, footballer, Talksport), Dane Rawlings (dressage) and Simon Shaw (rugby).
After the show, a dinner and auction were held.
Crucial funds were raised for the MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair.
Please send your charity stories, along with a supporting photo, to gina@geewizzcharity.com and follow @geewizzgee1
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