Below are some case studies of what some teams participating in the 2009 challenge did to grow their money.
Parker Motor Services - Winners of the 'Most money raised'
Parker Motor Services Ltd arranged a sponsored coast to coast cycle ride covering the 136 miles between Whitehaven and Roker in Sunderland over the weekend of the 17th of May.
Robin Parker, Managing Director of Parkers Motor Services found that taking part in the challenge really brought his team together and helped to break down any barriers between staff at all levels and working in different branches.
The company had recently acquired a sizeable new parts business, with depots in other parts of the area. Taking part in the challenge was a great way to promote team building and to integrate the new branches.
Robin, who also took part in the challenge said “My staff worked together as a team, they took control and came up with the bike ride. All of our staff from our 11 branches, from drivers to managers to sales reps wanted to be a part of it; they totally drove the campaign themselves. 20 took part in the ride, but many more were involved in the fund-raising.The guys trained together, some bought new bikes, some resurrected the bike they hadn’t ridden in years! I am a proud employer; proud of my staff’s dedication and teamwork.”
Pertemps ‘Promises’ Auction
Pertemps’ Promises Auction in aid of the Challenge was a resounding success, with 80 people attending the delightful surroundings at the Terrace Champagne bar in Leicester. The guests, who came to enjoy the food, wine and entertainment provided by the auctioneer, Kal Sangra, raised £2,700 for the Challenge. Pertemps found that participating in the Challenge was a fantastic medium for interacting with both their existing and prospective clients. New contacts whom they had have previously found it difficult to meet up with, were only too willing to attend and support this charity event.
Peter Frost, Consultant at Pertemps Leicester commented that “the new contacts we have made through the Challenge have generated a considerable amount of new business for Pertemps and we found that our existing clients provided a great backdrop, within a relaxed and sociable environment, and were a positive promotion of our services. We would highly recommend the Challenge to other companies, as a great networking opportunity for them".
"The whole evening allowed our clients, prospective clients and our staff to enjoy themselves and have fun together as well as raise money for two great causes and we would not hesitate to get involved again" said Petra Darnell Regional Manager of Pertemps.
The Platinum Suite 'Winners of the 'Most innovative idea'
On Friday 15 May, the Platinum Suite hosted a 'Leicester's Got Talent' evening in aid of the challenge which was a truly entertaining evening for everyone involved. Over 25 acts, chosen from a previous audition round, performed on the night and there were 3 judges to comment. After all the acts had performed the judges had a hard time selecting the top 9 acts and asked them to perform one more time.
There could only be one winner though and it was Sam and Dash who took the trophy away along with over £750 worth of a photographic shoot.
Full Square - Runners up 'Most innovative idea'
As part of the challenge, Full Square’ produced a set of limited edition cards from artwork or images submitted by the patients and staff from LOROS and Rainbows that made them smile, from amongst which six cheerful designs were selected, suitable for any occasion.
Once the winners were chosen, the cards were advertised and sold and the winning artwork was auctioned at a charity ball for Cancer raising £650 for this alone.
Cartwright King - Runners up Most innovative idea'
Cartwright King undertook various challenges, including a swear box in Derby, cake making and 'wear what you like days' in Sheffield.
The Nottingham office did the Cartwright King celebrity sunflower challenge where firms paid to grow a sunflower on the roof of the Cartwright King offices, named after celebrities. The one that grew the highest won and got a huge bunch of sunflowers.
The Leicester office created a Cartwright King charity calendar 2010 featuring their staff in some comical poses and for which they came runners up in the 'Most innovative idea' category.
Torr Waterfield - Runners up 'Most money raised'
The Torr Waterfield team held two different challenges including a race night and a three peaks of Yorkshire challenge. This involved a 24.5 mile walk in under 12 hours, climbing the 3 highest peaks in Yorkshire. The team raised £5,001 for the challenge.
Barclays Bank
On Wednesday 27 May, Barclays Bank held a quiz night at the Holiday Inn, St Nicholas Circle. The price was £100 for a team of four people and included a meal. There was a raffle on the night and a prize for the winning team.
DHL
DHL held a race night as their challenge. This took place on Friday 8 May at Garendon Social Club in Loughborough and tickets were £5 per person including a buffet.
There was also be a raffle on the evening and for just £1 per ticket there was the chance to win some fabulous prizes including a golf break worth over £200, two beauty hampers, two meals for two people and much more. The prizes had been kindly donated by local businesses.
The Phoenix Partners
The Phoenix Partners hosted a ‘Movie Madness’ event at Cinema de Lux as their challenge. The film shown was Grease on 30 March when a great time was had by all. Guests really got into the swing of things by dressing as their favourite character from the movie and joining the after show parties in the directors lounge.
Mr Tax Ltd - Winner of the 'Judges' Award' and Runners up of the 'Most money raised'
Mr Tax Ltd ran an amazing array of events throughtout the challenge including a luncheon, golf days, sponsored walk, BBQ, slim challenge, darts evening, fish & chips supper, car boot sale, a parachute jump...the list goes on! Not only did Mr Tax receive the 'Judges' Award' for their sheer determination, they were also runners up in the 'Most money raised' category with a total of £6,731.
The Woodhouse Restaurant
The Woodhouse Restaurant once again held a luncheon in aid of the challenge.
With a range of specialists in the areas of fashion, make-up, holistic treatments and of course food, the event offered something for all attendees. There was advice on what to wear and how to wear it, a range of beautiful things for the home and raffle prizes amongst other things.