1st Birthday Auction at NextGear Capital raises over £8,000 for the Countess of Chester Babygrow Campaign
A year on from launch its launch at Chester Business Park, NextGear Capital marked the occasion with a charity auction in aid of the Countess of Chester Babygrow Campaign. It is part of a year long programme designed to raise £10,000, the business having already raised over £950.00 to date.
Chief auctioneer for the night was Dr Ravi Jayaram from the Countess of Chester Hospital, who was joined by Lesley Woodhead from the Babygrow campaign. They were ably supported by a team of very senior executives from NextGear Capitals’ USA parents, Cox Automotive and NextGear Capital; Patrick Brennan, Group Vice President, Financial Services Cox Automotive; John Wick, Chief Strategy Office and General Counsel; Brian Geitner, President and David Horan, Chief Financial Officer, who flew in especially to celebrate the UK business’ first birthday. More than that, they found themselves pressed into service to play their part in what proved to be an enormously successful evening.
Dr Jayaram proved to be a very able auctioneer and quickly cajoled money out of the audience prepared to bid generously for a wide range of items. The range of auction items included; days off from work for NextGear Capital team members, a fly a plane experience, a day out at Warwick Castle, a range of dining and beverage items, animal prints, tickets for Chester City next season and much more. The support and generosity of a host of suppliers and partners was very much appreciated.
Not to be outdone, Brian and Patrick stepped up to take control of the gavel and show just how a US style auction can create a bidding frenzy as their mystery box donation, containing an impressive list of luxury items, quickly generated the highest bid of the evening at £310.00.
In total, an impressive £8408 was raised. Not that this represents the end of the team’s fund raising efforts; much more is promised in the weeks and months ahead.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Patrick Brennan noted; “Over the last year NextGear Capital UK has grown substantially to exceed all expectations. The team’s enthusiasm is reflected in the great results the team has delivered and also by the way in which it has committed itself to supporting the Babygrow campaign, a good cause, which touches the lives of many people in the Chester area.”
The NextGear Capital Babygrow campaign next activity is the continuation of the virtual journey of 8000 miles to NextGear Capital’s Head Office in Carmel in the USA. By contributing miles travelled by cycling walking and swimming, the team aims to travel the distance by January 2016. If anybody fancies supporting the ‘journey,’ adding a few miles and contributing a few pounds they are always very welcome. They can track the weekly progress at the dedicated Twitter account at @nextgearcapuk.