Hollywood’s Monster Mash magic

A MONSTROUS amount of money was raised for charity when more than 200 commercial property professionals from across the West Midlands met for the launch of an exciting new event.

Agents, architects, surveyors, developers, property consultants, construction companies and interior designers were among the guests at the first ever Monster Mash at the Metro Bar, Birmingham.

The event was the brainchild of Tim Andrews, managing director of local signs and graphics firm Hollywood Monster.

“I’m always keen to support charities wherever possible so it was great to see so many people together in a fun environment, talking business and donating to good causes,” he said.

“We raised around £3,000 for Cure Leukaemia for Kids and Help Harry Help Others, two causes that are close to my heart.”

The evening also saw the unveiling of the 7-in-Seven marathon charity cycle ride from Zurich in Switzerland to Birmingham, which will take place in September. Cyclists taking part will travel through seven countries in seven days, covering 700 miles.

The event, organized by Tim Andrews and Phil Upton with support from friends and colleagues, aims to raise £250,000 for Help harry Help Others and Cure Leukaemia for Kids.

Birmingham charity race attracts more than 200 runners

MORE than 200 runners lined up at Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park for a ten kilometre run to raise funds for deserving causes in Birmingham and the West Midlands region.

The event was organised by the Ronnie Bowker Foundation, formed in memory of the late Ernst & Young regional managing partner Ronnie Bowker, whose daughter Nicola was one of the race competitors.

Mr Bowker, who passed away late in 2010, was a well-known figure in Birmingham, not only because he was at the head of Ernst & Young’s Birmingham office for 15 years, but also because of his contribution to the community and the arts in the city.

Ernst & Young partner Mark Minihane, who organised the race for the Foundation, said: “The day was a great success and we plan to make it an annual event in the West Midlands calendar”.

The Ronnie Bowker Foundation Fund has already raised over £65,000 of its £100,000 target and it has made donations to local causes.

Alumet scurry raises vital charity cash

WARWICKSHIRE building firm Alumet has raised funds for the Warwickshire/Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Heart of England Community Foundation via a charity ‘scurry’.

Some 115 members of the Alumet Sunset Scurry team setting off around Draycote Water in order to raise more than £1,200 for the charities.  

The scurry began with an energetic warm-up from the Southam Leisure Centre which quickly followed by the first horn, setting the Alumet directors off into the sunset. Minutes later the second horn sound and the general participants set off armed with water pistols ready to catch up the Alumet directors.

The winner of the scurry was Paul Scrivens who completed the five mile jaunt in just 30 minutes and 56 seconds.

Alumet director Dean Walton said: “We were delighted to have such a strong turnout for our first ever charity fun run. The evening offered us a great opportunity to build rapports with individuals from the local community while raising money for two great local charities.”