Vantis, the UK accounting, tax and business recovery and advisory group, welcomed over 50 Leicestershire companies to the Porche Centre in Leicester last night to launch their Corporate Challenge, a clever fundraising initiative in aid of Rainbows Children’s Hospice and Loros.
The Challenge is an initiative whereby Vantis provides each participating group with a crisp £50 note and they are then tasked with creatively using it to raise as much money as possible within three months. The only condition is that the fundraising activities are done ethically and legally.
Patric Phelan, Location Director for Vantis in Leicester, welcomed Challengers and thanked them for their involvement: “We are delighted to welcome 50 of the 68 companies that have registered for this year’s Challenge to tonight’s launch, and we are thrilled to see the increase in the number of companies that are taking part in this year’s Challenge in comparison to last year’s. We hope that, with the increase in Challengers, we will be able to increase the amount of money raised for these wonderful charities!”
Patric also pointed out that registrations for the Challenge have not yet closed, and commented that he welcomed late registrations. He went on to encourage current Challengers to spread the word and try and encourage more companies to get involved, to raise further funds for these worthy causes.
Patric then introduced Kate Golding and Julie Kuzniar from Rainbows Children’s Hospice, who thanked all the participants for their support. Julie then read aloud a moving letter from one of the parents of the children who had been cared for at the hospice:
“My daughter loved her holidays at Rainbows and always had a smile on her beautiful face after her stay… Rainbows has been a comfort to us in the care for our daughter and it has been a very important part of our lives.” Julie added, “We often get these kind of letters from parents, and by sharing this one with you all here tonight, our hope is that you will understand how important your fundraising efforts will be in helping us look after more children in the future.”
Julie concluded by saying, “I want all the Challengers in this competition to enjoy their fundraising efforts and go out and have as much fun as the children have when they stay at Rainbows!”
Marisa Spiteri from LOROS was then introduced and she reiterated her thanks to all participants for their involvement in the Challenge and commented: “LOROS is very pleased to be associated with this exciting competition. At LOROS we look after young adults right through to those aged upwards of 90, and our mission is to make every moment count for our patients and their families. Your support in helping us to raise money for LOROS will ensure that our patients are able to enjoy their lives until their final moments.”
Patric then introduced the special guest of the evening, Kristina Grimes from BBC1’s ‘The Apprentice’. Kristina’s motivational chat had all of the Challengers on their feet cheering with enthusiasm, as she challenged the teams to raise lots of money. She presented the Challengers with a host of valuable tips on how to turn their £50 into a lot more cash. “The key to this is to work together as a team, to create structure, to believe in what you are doing and to keep re-investing the money!” said Kristina. “I know that I would be able to make more money easily, so I challenge you to do the same!”
Following Kristina’s speech, Patric invited each of the Challengers present to come up to the stage to receive their £50 notes.
Patric closed the launch ceremony by reminding Challengers that a wrap-up party will take place on the evening of 5th June, details of which will be communicated to all participants closer to the date. To the sound of the starter horn, Patric announced, “The Challenge starts now – good luck: ready…set….go!”
Vantis would like to encourage more Leicestershire companies to get involved and take up the challenge. It’s not too late to join and the link to the registration page will remain active until Friday 20 March 2009.
Why not take an active part in the Leicestershire community and help Vantis to raise money for Rainbows Children’s Hospice and LOROS? For further information on how to register for the Challenge, please visit: /Vantis/Locations/Leicester/VantisCorporateChallenge2010.htm
Be pro-active; stand up and be counted. Be a part of this exciting initiative! It doesn’t matter if your company is large or small, Vantis will welcome your involvement.