Revolution's Carwash Fundraiser in Luton
“My name is Ben Ryan, I am on a sabbatical from Sheffield University where I am doing a course in journalism. I joined Viv in Fundraising mid Feb where my role is cleansing, researching and expanding our funders databank, managing the dept communication system and growing our data capture with fresh, useful contacts.
Janine Head of Sports Challenges has enrolled a great bunch of marathon runners from Bedfordshire and on Saturday 11th June I was invited to join the Revolution group at a car wash fundraiser they had organised in one of the Luton wards. My job on the day was to take pictures, make a Vimeo and write about the event, all a much-enjoyed part of my university training programme.
I arrived at Crescent Hall about 1pm with a little nervousness, a sense of apprehension. Oscillating a moment before joining the festivities, I realised my nerves were unnecessary.
During my brief visit, I met a staff group of about 30, the sense of warmth, joviality and community I felt were immediate & profound, with everyone being welcoming and open.
The Revolution fundraisers, were not only welcoming and kind but proficient in their activities to the benefit of our Phab Kids. The carwash raised nearly £4000, to be shared between Phab, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diabetes UK. It will provide vital funds to our Inclusive Living Experience and Phab Club which provide activities and safe space for disabled children. We are hugely grateful for the Revolution group wonderful efforts.
The flow of visitors was steady throughout my visit, the busy and buzzing carwash was flanked by a tasty barbeque and merchandise stalls where people could buy food and/or a branded t-shirt. Revolution’s marketing was very local and grassroots with the organisers inviting people from within their communities, they advertised on social media, and invited residents off the venue neighbouring streets. The parking lot where the carwash took place was near-constantly packed with continuous stream of cars coming off the road.
Whilst I was not there for a long time, I felt immediately an atmosphere of inclusiveness, levity and joy that the Revolution group personifies. The amount raised is outstanding and I am very happy to have recorded this special occasion. Thank you Shebs and friends - you are Phabulous!”
Ben Ryan
Marketing Assistant, Fundraising and Corporate Partnership, Phab
