Raise’24 Demonstrates the Power of Collaboration and Team Effort

The event was officially launched by Richard Venables who is well versed in the need for the local business community to support local charities and commented. “We need events like Raise to bring the business community together and to reinforce the message that local charities are more reliant than ever on our support to continue the excellent work they all do.”

The morning’s events included presentations from all of the beneficiary charities who reminded everyone in attendance why they were there. With a mixture of videos and live accounts of what the charities mean to so many people, this was an exceptionally moving part of the day. Special mention to Caroline O’Connor for speaking about her personal experiences of pancreatic cancer and losing her beloved husband George, and also to Simon Tredwell who spoke on behalf of Debra UK about his personal experience of epidermolysis bullosa, a group of rare and incredibly painful genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. With skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, EB is often referred to as ‘butterfly skin’.

There were also some memorable live performances from the fundraising teams which included Team Elf performing the Macarena dressed as elves (awarded best dressed team of the day) and Ben Cross, who was awarded performer of the day and who sang (and played guitar to) Run by Snow Patrol. Well done also to Tim Grier, Howard Feather, Abi Rosser, Matt Jaycock and Darren Aston for stepping up.

Following the Mills & Reeve sponsored drinks reception in the college bar, guests returned to the Great Hall for a fabulous three course meal and were welcomed by the Oxford Gospel Choir as they took their seats, a truly magical moment. Peter Bennett-Jones, in his capacity as one of Oxfordshire’s Deputy Lieutenants, officially endorsed Raise’24 and said that the event reminded him of the beginnings of Comic Relief, which he co-founded. “This is an amazing event, very well done to everyone involved and I have no doubt that from this exceptional start that the event will continue to grow and support the wonderful charities in Oxfordshire.” Following Oxford Gospel Choir’s amazing performance, guests were treated to a brilliant show by Out of the Blue which included the Great Hall singing Happy Birthday to group member Ed who was celebrating his 18^th birthday! The live performances were followed by the event Awards and announcement of the final total.

For the last nine months B4 have been working in close collaboration with ten local charities to create this event with weekly comms and strategy meetings with the five lead charities – Homeless Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Youth, Plunkett UK, Sobell House and Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF). This has been critical to the success of the event but a really powerful experience for all concerned given that charities rarely work together on a common goal. OCF generously provided the Enthuse platform where all of the funds raised are kept until they are distributed in February 2025 once the last remaining pledges have been paid. Be Free Young Carers, Connection Support, Debra UK, Pancreatic Cancer UK and Survivor Space Oxfordshire completed the list of beneficiary charities.

Raise’24, conceived by B4’s CEO, Richard Rosser, was a massive undertaking made considerably lighter by the collective and collaborative efforts of the beneficiary charities who helped B4 to construct a fundraising event the like of which Oxfordshire has never seen before. Richard commented. “Raise’24 was the product of a number of ideas, wishes, experiences and no doubt a pinch of fairytale thinking, but we could never have imagined it would hit the heights it has. Thank you to all of the sponsors, teams, donors, charities, performers and especially Bronwyn at Keble and her magnificent team for hosting everyone so superbly. Special mention also to Tina Rosser, B4’s Events Manager, who worked tirelessly to ensure this was a spectacular event. Thank you to the teams who supported the event and undertook some amazing fundraising activities. It would be unfair to pick any out as they have all been brilliant and never stopped until they hit their targets – thank you for believing in Raise! Thank you also to the sponsors and everyone else who supported Raise’24.”

Bronwyn Friedemann, Keble’s Sales Director, added. “When Richard first asked me if Keble would host Raise’24 I jumped at the chance for such an amazing opportunity, helping these charities in what ever way we could! Tina did a fabulous job with the decorations, the Hall looked even more stunning!”

Thanks

There are so many people to thank for this event including Clark Wiseman and Ajay at Studio 8, Inga Kebleryte and Kseniia Alexa Terpeza for their photography and video expertise; Liam at AV Events for such an impressive set and ensuring the day went smoothly; drinks sponsor Mills & Reeve; tea and coffee sponsors Aston & James; wine sponsor The Oxford Wine Company; Launch Event Sponsor, Helen Fallon from Global CTS; Launch event host, Phil Lewis from The Randolph Hotel; Raise’24 Golf Day sponsors, Frilford Heath Golf Club.

Special Recognition

There are so many people without whom Raise’24 wouldn’t have happened but if Helen Fallon of Global CTS hadn’t stepped forward from the outset to sponsor the launch event at The Randolph Hotel then Raise’24 may well never have happened. So, thank you to Helen and Global CTS who are made our first Raise Founding Partners, a title that will be held in perpetuity.

Raise’25

Plans are already underway with events planned for the Raise’24 Golf Day at Frilford Heath on 28^th April and a Raise’25 dinner at The Randolph Hotel on 25^th September. A Raise’25 working group is also being put together so if you would like to find out more about this and plans for Raise’25, please contact richard@b4-business.com

And finally…..

Raise’24 inspired many things and will leave us with lots of wonderful memories, not least Matt Jaycock’s brave and engaging version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. But we leave you with Matt’s own poetic version of Raise’24.

Raise the Joy, Raise’24, by Matt Jaycock

In Oxfordshire’s fields, under winter’s glow, Businesses and charities join hands to show. With hearts aligned, we gather near, To spread goodwill and festive cheer.	As carolers sing and bells ring clear, We stand as one, no need to fear. With every gift and every smile, We make the season’s journey worthwhile.
Raise the joy, it’s Raise ’24, Together giving, sharing more. Building a future, hand in hand, A brighter Oxfordshire, our promised land.	Raise the joy, it’s Raise ’24, Together giving, sharing more. Building a future, hand in hand, A brighter Oxfordshire, our promised land.
From bustling towns to villages serene, We light the way with a hopeful gleam. Through acts of kindness, big and small, Raise ’24 unites us all.	So here’s to us, to what we’ve made, A tapestry of love displayed. With Raise ’24, our spirits soar, Merry Christmas, now and evermore.
Raise the joy, it’s Raise ’24, Together giving, sharing more. Building a future, hand in hand, A brighter Oxfordshire, our promised land.

More information

Press & Pics!

Pics from the event can be downloaded from the links here:

PART I:                                www.flickr.com/photos/b4magazine/albums/72177720322683104

PART II:                               www.flickr.com/photos/b4magazine/albums/72177720322844800

Links

Donate at:                         

www.oxfordshire.enthuse.com/cf/b4-raise-24  

Raise’24 website:            

www.raise4charity.co.uk

Raise on you Tube:          

Raise4charity – YouTube

Raise on LinkedIn:           

www.linkedin.com/company/raise-24/?viewAsMember=true

Supplier Contacts

Venue                                                www.keble.ox.ac.uk

AV                                                       www.av-events.co.uk

Video & photography                    www.s8.co.uk

Photography                                    www.ingakeblerytephotography.com

Photography                                    Kseniia Alexa Terpeza ks.terpeza@gmail.com

Wine                                                  www.oxfordwine.co.uk/owc/

Golf Day host                                     www.frilfordheath.co.uk

Oxford Gospel Choir www.oxfordgospelchoir.co.uk

Out of the Blue ootbmail@gmail.com

Quotes

Raise’24 – goodbye, goodnight and a Merry Christmas!

What a day… amazing performances, beautiful venue, delicious food and above all a room filled with a whole lot of love! Thank you to every single person who took part in Raise’24!

It’s been a privilege to be part of the Raise journey since Richard Rosser dreamt up the concept. Collaborating with charity colleagues, and working with local businesses to step change fundraising this festive season.

What a venue for the inaugural Raise event. Thank you Bronwyn and Keble College, Oxford for the warm welcome, delicious food and spell binding setting!

Great to see so many fabulous people come together to support the ten phenomenal charities. Whether you were in the room or donated online, THANK YOU! The total now stands at over £35k. This will make an incredible difference to all the charities involved.

A final and truly heartfelt thank you to Richard and Tina Rosser. You have put so much into Raise’24 and the results speak for themselves. Thank you so so much for making Christmas what it should be about and throwing the Christmas party of the year!

Nikki Gracey, Relationships Fundraising Manager, Sobell House Hospice Charity

In The “GREAT HALL” for a Grand Fundraising event “Raise’24 “Where the Magic of combining teamwork and collaborations, made over 34k for charities…. Amazing work to all those behind this event and Richard Rosser Tina Rosser B4 team for making it happen!

Team Spice Goals, Victoria Tsoy Heather Wood Siobhan Brookes Louise Gregory are over the moon to say we smashed our Goal to raise £2K and have gone over thanks to all those individuals and businesses who supported us along the way, in any way they could!

Louise Gregory, Director, Gregory Surveyors

Generosity, teamwork, and some very cool singing . . . today’s first Raise’24 event at Keble College, Oxford showed what can be achieved when you bring caring businesses and charities together.

A whopping £34,572 has been raised for ten charities on a collective mission to change lives across Oxfordshire. From Connection Support, a massive thank you to everyone who has donated or supported in any way. We’re blown away by your kindness and willingness to take a chance on something that has never been tried before.

An enormous thank you to Richard Rosser and Tina Rosser for their epic efforts to bring this brilliant initiative to life and to Bronwyn Friedemann for providing such a stunning venue.

Bring on Raise ’25!

Catherine Whitmarsh, Head of Fundraising, Connection Support

What a party! Raise’24 has been a fantastic day of fundraising for 10 amazing Oxfordshire charities including OCF. Fundraisers, supporters and charities came together for a really special day, all uniting with a common goal of transforming lives across Oxfordshire for those that need it most.

The total raised currently stands at £34,572 but more is still coming in! You can still donate here https://lnkd.in/esXbj3Rg

Huge thanks to B4’s Richard Rosser and Tina Rosser who have masterminded this amazing event. We are hugely grateful for your support.

Raise’25 is already in the pipeline… watch this space!

Kate Parrinder, Head of Development at Oxfordshire Community Foundation

I set off first thing in the dark and l have just arrived home in the dark. But in between that we have had a perfect Raise’24 Day at Keble College, Oxford. It’s been a day of fun, fundraising and wonderful conversations with so many people. A day of catching up with friends and making new ones.

And the result was a brilliant £34,572 raised and l am sure a bit more to come. Homeless Oxfordshire and 9 other charities will be benefiting from this amazing generosity.

Big thanks to Richard and Tina Rosser who have worked tirelessly over the past few months to put on an incredible day. In all of my 15 years in fundraising its been one of the best days. Its been great working too with Nikki Gracey Kate Parrinder Gemma Sills and Emmy O’Shaughnessy.

Thanks too to my fellow Wraiths Rovers team mates, Tim Steward , Joseph Garbett and Tim Grier . ( Neil Holdstock we missed you! ).

Think l will be having a quiet evening.

Tim Wraith, Partnerships Fundraising Manager, Homeless Oxfordshire

What an amazingly wonderful raise’24 campaign culminating in the most lovely group of people meeting, fundraising and having fun at Keble College yesterday. For 10 charities to come together and collectively inspire Oxfordshire support is a master stroke and we all look forward to @raise’25 being even bigger, better and even more successful.

I always thought that the hardest working families I knew were The Tracy’s of the Thunderbirds 1 2 and 3, and The Nolan Sisters but now we should add Tina Rosser Richard Rosser Sue Rosser and Abi to that list. Well done to all involved you should be very proud.

Tim Grier, Managing Director & Owner, Oxfordshire Business Consultancy

Isn’t it incredible what a room of determined and generous people can do! A huge thank you and congratulations to Richard Rosser and all at B4 for this fabulous event. Bring on Raise25!

Nicola Poole, Managing Director, Hedges Law

The inaugural Raise 24 was an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and make a tangible difference in the lives of young carers and beneficiaries of the other charities involved. Every pound that we will receive, will directly support the vital services Be Free Young Carers provides to help young people balance their caring responsibilities with their own education, health, and well-being. Together, we can empower these young carers to thrive.”

Sabiene North, CEO, Be Free Young Carers

We are deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to raise awareness of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Our charity, DEBRA exists to improve quality of life for people living with EB which is a group of incredibly painful skin conditions that causes the skin to blister and tear with the slightest touch. The impact EB has on the lives of people living with it, their families, and carers is huge; it not only has a devastating physical impact, but it also negatively affects mental well-being too.

The vital funds raised by Raise 24 could help provide enhanced EB care and support for today, and clinically test drug treatments that provide hope for a better tomorrow. On behalf of us all at DEBRA UK, thank you once again.

Ann Avarne, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Debra UK

We have been delighted to be part of Raise’24 this year. The event at Keble College was a great spin on the traditional Christmas party format, and we were very grateful to join other Oxfordshire charities as beneficiaries of the event’s unique and innovative fundraising. It’s been humbling to see the enthusiastic involvement from many different local organisations, and their efforts and generosity will help us continue providing vital support to people experiencing homelessness into 2025.

Simon Hewett-Avison, CEO, Homeless Oxfordshire

I thought you created an absolutely incredible day, the energy was fantastic, we connected with so many people and the performances, shows and lunch was incredible. 

We were so happy to be part of it and hit our target and that in total you raised £40,000. Hopefully we will all still get more!

I have looked through the images which are great and will be doing some more posts with them. Thank you so much again, it was a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful fundraising event, 

Alicia Roscoe, Marketing Manager, Hedges Law

I thought Raise ’24 was a brilliant idea and a wonderful event. Thank you so much for including us.

Amelia Foster, CEO, Sobell House Hospice

Thank you so much for letting us get involved in Raise 24 such a great event and it was a true honour to be involved in the first ever event.

Howard Feather, Oxford Brookes University