CHARITY
CHARITY CHAMPIONS
Tees Business directors Dave Allan ( left ) and Martin Walker ( right ) visited patrons of the North East Autism Society at the charity ’ s Kiora Hall site in Norton after raising funds from the Tees Business Awards .
Tees Business fundraising reaches £ 8,500 in 2023
The team behind Tees Business are already more than halfway towards their target of raising £ 15,000 for local good causes in 2023 after championing charities at two events .
Four members of the team from Middlesbrough-based Resolution Media and Publishing took part in the CEO Sleepout at Middlesbrough FC ’ s Riverside Stadium in March .
They raised £ 2,850 , which contributed towards a total of £ 65,000 raised by the whole group of fundraisers .
Generous Tees businesses then helped to raise £ 5,640 for charity at the inaugural Tees Business Awards in April .
It means Resolution ’ s fundraising total for 2023 so far stands at £ 8,500 , with three more business awards events this year set to boost that figure .
The North East Autism Society was the chosen charity for the 2023 Tees Business Awards , attended by more than 380 people at Hardwick Hall .
The event – organised by Tees Business in association with PD Ports – was chosen mainly due to the involvement of the charity ’ s patrons , who all played a key role on the night .
Globally renowned Tees artist Mackenzie Thorpe was the keynote speaker , and drew a standing ovation from guests after a show-stopping speech .
North-East TV royalty Pam Royle and journalist Peter Barron , both also patrons of NEAS , were brilliant co-hosts for the event , while their fellow patron , Tees Business non-executive director Bob Cuffe , delivered an emotional speech .
More than £ 2,000 was donated online on the night – including £ 1,000 from Moonrise 24 Hour Recruitment – and £ 2,630 was donated by generous guests in envelopes as part of a prize draw .
Stockton firm Additional Lengths also sent in a £ 1,000 donation , bringing the total raised to £ 5,640 .
NEAS chief executive officer John Phillipson said : “ We can ’ t thank Tees businesses enough for their amazing generosity and for getting so wholeheartedly behind the work we do .
“ And thanks to our patrons , too , who are such fantastic ambassadors for us .”
Tees Business director Dave Allan added : “ We know how generous Tees businesses are , but we ’ re absolutely delighted with the total amount raised from the Tees Business Awards .
“ People in the room on the night were clearly touched and inspired by the brilliant words of both Bob and Mackenzie .
“ We ’ re proud to have played a part in raising valuable funds for NEAS , but equally pleased to have raised so much awareness for such a fantastic charity .”
Dave and his fellow Tees Business director Martin Walker visited NEAS at its Kiora Hall site in Norton after the awards event .
Looking back on a memorable night , Mackenzie Thorpe said : “ It was absolutely amazing . I was just so proud of what everyone is achieving .
“ I met people from all different kinds of businesses that I didn ’ t even know existed here , and that made me feel really proud about what ’ s being done and the future .
“ I won ’ t name the people , but I wish I could grab people and bring them up here and show them what ’ s happening now and these businesses , who really want to be part of the community and bring the community on , look after their staff and lead fairly , and that was the really strong message from the night .
“ I was really proud that I was asked to be there .” See pages 33-52 for a full roundup from the 2023 Tees Business Awards .
30 | Tees Business