PropSki gets attendees on the Piste
More than 200 guests descended on the alpine-themed Soho pop-up bar Piste last month for the launch of the EG-supported networking event PropSki.
Will Chambers of JLL, who is on the PropSki committee, plus Robyn Phillips of LandAid, the event’s charity partner, addressed the delegates before they continued to mingle to a soundtrack of cabaret singers.
PropSki 2016, which is aimed at young industry professionals, has now sold out. It will be the biggest trip to date, with 250 people expected on the slopes of Val Thorens. Special guests will include JLL chief executive Guy Grainger, Bilfinger GVA chief executive Rob Bould, MJ Mapp executive chairman Nigel Mapp, and EG’s Damian Wild. Visit www.propski.co.uk to find out more.
Community spirit reaps RICS rewards
Kitson, a quantity surveyor based in Yorkshire, was praised by judges for her community outreach work and challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated profession.
She said: “There is a big misconception that surveyors all wear hard hats and work on building sites. These awards bring awareness of the diverse range of surveying roles available for all, not to mention those in the industry having hugely rewarding and successful careers.”
Kitson was one of three women to pick up prizes out of 13 categories before being named overall winner. The black tie event, hosted by Mock the Week regular, comedian Gary Delaney, took place at London’s Lancaster Hotel on 19 November.
Thames brushes up for art auction
One hundred specially commissioned artworks and sculptures depicting the River Thames and buildings along its banks in London were auctioned off to the capital’s architecture, art and design community this week at Article 25’s annual 10×10 fundraiser.
The art was produced by leading lights of the creative world, including sculptor Antony Gormley, Rafael Viñoly and Sir Terry Farrell. Pictured above is History in the Making by Rebecca Campbell.
Easels and artworks filled the halls of the Royal Institute of British Architects, with some guests making silent bids and others getting caught up in a live auction.
More than £30,000 was raised for the Article 25 charity, which provides building and infrastructure services for vulnerable communities worldwide.
Football fans have a ball for charity
Seven football friends have successfully visited every Premier League football stadium in a zany fundraising challenge.
Gurpreet Bassi, an associate partner at auctioneer CPBigwood, and his band of friends made a bid to travel to all the grounds within 24 hours.
After a shaky start on 13 November when their vehicle was delivered late and to the wrong location, the team battled, through bad weather and even worse traffic, to complete the challenge with 58 minutes to spare. They raised more than £20,000 for Cancer Research UK. You can still support them at www.justgiving.com/20Stadiums24Hours .
Bidwells breaks target
Bidwells employees have embarked on a range of barmy and bonkers challenges to raise more than £175,000 for five children’s charities.
The firm had ambitions to raise £100,000 to mark its 175th anniversary, but surpassed the amount through activities such as abseiling down a clock tower, squeezing 20 people into a Mini, taking part in a canoe challenge and cycling to the top of Mont Ventoux in France.
The company also produced the cook book Make Me, Eat Me, including contributions from Ed Sheeran and Raymond Blanc.
Bidwells senior partner Patrick McMahon, said: “Everyone at Bidwells really got behind this initiative and they were all supported by their family, friends, clients and fellow property professionals, and for this we want to say a huge thank you.”
The money will be divided between Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, Respite Nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, the Pepper Foundation and Leo’s Appeal.
Marylebone spreads Christmas cheer
Retailers and residents of the Howard de Walden Estate laid on a Christmas celebration in the streets of Marylebone to mark the seasonal turning on of the lights.
Thousands of people were drawn to the high street on the promise of entertainment, an encounter with Santa Claus, shop promotions and festive fare – and they did not leave disappointed.
An appearance from model-cum-cookery writer Sophie Dahl added a dash of sparkle to the evening.
A variety of fundraising activities helped to raise £3,500 for Age UK Westminster.
LandAid stars shine
Outstanding achievements by LandAid’s cohort of ambassadors were recognised in front of 200 industry guests at the inaugural Ambassadors Awards held last week.
Nick Bailey of Grainger received the Most Outstanding Ambassador gong, while further awards went to Amy Meyrick of Cluttons for Increasing Funds Raised; Suzi Edwards of PwC for Increasing Awareness; and to Ross Burns and Alexandra Randall of LaSalle Investment Management for Most Successful Collaboration.
The event was hosted at PwC’s More London office one year after the ambassadors programme was established.
