20/20 Match Funding - The Result

Back in September 2010, we were set a challenge: raise £20,000 by the end of September 2011, and every £1 will be matched, so the project will benefit from a total of £40,000 as a result of our efforts.

So here we are at the end of the allotted time.  How did we do?


Well,

• We've run lots of activities, including Donkey Derby, Barn Dance, Totton Carnival, litter picking at Netley Marsh Steam Rally, Smartie Tube Challenge, Bag Packing, Sponsored Boating and Grand Draw.
• We've sold draw tickets all over the place, including many of the above, and Testwood Lakes Great Outdoors Open Day, Solent Sea Scouts Kayaking & Pulling Regatta, friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues...
• We've also spoken to many individuals and organisations about the project and its benefits, and attracted a number of donations of all sizes from businesses, local councillors and others.
• We've certainly been very busy all year, especially the fundraising team, Donkey Derby committee, building project committee, Sea Scouts leaders and exec, and many others.  Lots of fun but lots of hard work along the way.

The culmination was last Friday 30th September at the Grand Draw evening.  During the day there had been lots of conversations about potential donations, selling off surplus drinks stocks from previous events, selling some more draw tickets etc.  When we arrived at The Salmon Leap, we knew we were likely to make £19,000, which was at least £500 more than we had predicted a couple of weeks ago.  We got confirmation that all the drinks stocks had been sold.  Then various people arrived with stubs and money for tickets they had sold through the week and especially that day.  Then we sold a few more tickets to the pub customers around us.  And then a phone call from one of the local councillors we had contacted during the day - he came through for us and made a sufficiently large donation to the Aquativity Project that the target was achieved!

We did it.  £20,000 raised in a year!

And a total of £40,000 into the project as a result.

What can I say other than well done!

And as for the Grand Draw...  Approximately 3,000 tickets sold.  Not all of the prize winners have been informed yet, so I won't spoil any surprises by saying here and now who has won, but we had a successful draw with about 20 prizes all going to worthy winners.  Winning tickets were held by group members, Donkey Derby attendees, work colleagues, friends, regatta participants...  One lucky person has won £500, and another a week's holiday in France.  And everyone who participated has the satisfaction of knowing that the money they contributed will go straight into the Aquativity project, which is forging ahead.

At the building site, the roof is complete all but the last few ridge tiles, the cladding has started, the windows and doors have been specified, agreed and ordered, and plans for the electrical supply are progressing much better now.  Many of you will have been watching some progress reports and photos on the Sea Scouts website.  Here's an extra photo of the cladding that has now started.