Eleven teams, three charities and five weeks of fundraising – Lloyd’s Charity Challenge is officially over and it did not disappoint with over £250,000* raised for the three charities.
And while all the participants were rightly considered winners by three judges, it was the Marketform team that walked away as the 2008 Lloyd’s Charity Challenge Champions after raising a staggering £70,000 for the Coram charity from a range of events, including a Champagne and Canapes evening, a sponsored weight loss programme and a children’s drawing competition.
Lord Levene said of the winners: “The Marketform team have approached the Charity Challenge with absolute determination, and have helped to raise the profile of their allocated charity, Coram.
“Special recognition must go to their team leader Jonathan Sinfield, their head of IT, whose unfailing energy and commitment has undoubtedly played a large part in their success.”
In acknowledgment of the huge sums raised, the judges also awarded runners up prizes to both Argenta and Hiscox, who combined with Marketform, raised 60% of the total fundraising.
All three teams will be treated to a day out in a private box at Glorious Goodwood horse races, while each member of the triumphant Marketform team additionally received vouchers from TM Lewin.
Beazley was also commended and picked up the award for Challenge Creatives for – in the eyes of the judges – being the team showing the most innovative approach to their fundraising.
Marketform Group Chairman and Challenge Judge, Holly Bellingham, said: “Beazley threw their heart and soul into this challenge with a variety of creative ideas, carefully designed and targeted at different audiences to reach as many people as possible”.
“This team gave the overall title an incredible shot with a relentless schedule of events including everything from a Beazley School Disco to a marathon relay to serving up strawberries and cream during Wimbledon.”
Beazley’s prize was a box at Wembley Stadium for the forthcoming Australians versus Barbarians Rugby match.
But the real beneficiaries of the Charity Challenge, which kicked off on June 3, were the three charities themselves, with Coram receiving £95,000, Samaritans £80,000 and FARM Africa £62,000.
Andrew Moffat, Head of Fundraising for Coram said: “All the teams have been amazing. While the cash is fantastic, both the profile raised and the friends made are invaluable. We do not have a big brand, but thanks to the Lloyd’s Charity Challenge, people know who we are and what we are trying to achieve.”
*The total amount raised by the Lloyd’s Charity Challenge is £237,832.40 which, when Gift Aid is added, takes the total to over £250,000.
