January 19, 2022

Muscular Dystrophy UK: Back with a bang

It’s safe to say that we were all unsure as to what post-Covid fundraising would look like, and if we would see the return of in-person fundraising events. After testing the waters with Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), it’s safe to say that they not need to worry, hosting events in September and November and raising totals that have matched pre-pandemic fundraising events.

MDUK has been leading the fight against muscle-wasting conditions since 1959. They fund pioneering research into treatments and cures to improve lives today and transform those of future generations. The charity also offers information, advice and support to families and those living  with a muscle-wasting condition. With over 70,000 children and adults living in the UK with a progressive muscle-wasting or associated condition, MDUK pushes to see better care so that people can stay active and connected.

Through their hard work, MDUK has helped around 985 people access the care and support services they are entitled to; securing £1.5m worth of benefits, services, and equipment in 2019. To continue with their crucial work in the field, MDUK holds several fundraising events to raise thousands of pounds to further their cause. This year, two of their biggest annual fundraisers was supported by GoodBox’s GoodPartners, including their annual Microscope Ball and their Celebrity Sports Quiz.

We’re having a ball

Every Autumn, MDUK hosts their annual Microscope Ball. So far, the event has raised over £2m for MDUK. After a short training session with the army of volunteers by their GoodPartner, they were equipped with 20 GBx Mini devices. The volunteers covered 62 tables of high-profile industry professionals from London’s most prestigious commercial and property development companies.

The versatile GBx Mini devices – perfect for events – enabled games, pledges, ad-hoc donations and raffle purchases from attendees to larger auction payments throughout the night. With either a tap of their phone, card or a chip and pin payment donors were able to transact quickly and enjoy their evening. Across the board, the GoodBox devices saw over £60,000 donated to the charity through the GBx Mini Terminals, 50% of the total raised from fundraising activity that evening. 

“Gone are the days where having no cash was a barrier to participate in fundraising, people are used to tapping their cards and phones in everyday life and fundraising events should be no different. The partnership with GoodBox has enabled us to do this successfully by giving every single volunteer a machine, which are easy to use through contactless and chip and pin.” – Krishan Solanki, Muscular Dystrophy

Celebs compete for the coveted prize

GoodPartner also supported MDUK annual Celebrity Sports Quiz at the Lord’s Cricket ground in November.

Some of Britain’s most famous sports stars – including cricketer Monty Panesar, Olympian Kye Whyte and presenter Gabby Logan – attended the 10th annual Quiz as attendees competed for the coveted Celebrity Sports Quiz title all whilst raising money for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Not only was the sport-themed night filled with fun and beautiful food but also saw a heartfelt speech by Louisa Hill, whose youngest son Archie was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2009. Louisa shone a light on how the disease had impacted her family and how MDUK has given Archie much needed support over the years.

Over the last 10 years, the event has raised a stunning £1million towards the fight against muscle-wasting conditions and a generous £47,000 was donated by attendees throughout the night with over £20,000 donated through our terminals.

It’s been an honour to attend the Celebrity Sports Quiz for the past few years. It’s rare that a charity event can raise this much and continue to be brilliant fun year after year!” – Monty Panesar, England cricket star

Flexible tech for events

By employing GoodBox fundraising devices, and with the assistance of GoodPartner to ensure it all went off without a hitch, MDUK were able to beat their budget targets for the events this year. Overall, a combined £410,000 was raised for MDUK through table sales, auctions, games, raffles, and pledges on both events. These generous donations enable MDUK to continue funding ground-breaking research into treatments and cures and provide vital support to families and individuals with muscle-wasting conditions.

Here at GoodBox, we support large fundraisers across the UK with our GoodPartner teams. If you are looking for a partner to support your fundraising and would like to draw upon our fundraising expertise, simply get in touch with our team at sales@goodbox.com. 

Photo credit: Ikin Yum Photography

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