Charity Dragons Den Style Group 8
The Event
Group Chairman Jim Mason
Nigel Mann
Group 8 Charity Coordinator (Chapter) Writes:
Towards the end of last year, the Chairman of Group 8 – Jim Mason – challenged his committee of Coordinators to come up with some new ideas for social events, stating that we need to imagine a new concept because we are all “quizzed and bingo’d out”.
It was by chance that a throw-away comment from a joining member of my own Lodge (Royal Navy) gave us the idea for the first Group 8 Masonic Dragon’s Den.
You will all be familiar with the popular television programme, set in an exposed brick loft building where a thrusting entrepreneur pitches a business idea to five hardnosed captains of industry, in an attempt to gain some financial support and added business acumen.
To say that our event mirrored this set-up would be a stretch, but in the warm and welcoming confines of the Margate Masonic Centre our first Dragon’s Den took place on Saturday 8th February.
Eight Charities were invited to offer a short talk about what they do, what they have done, current projects, and future aspirations.
Sat in front of the presenters were five of the softest, most malleable, and generous “Dragons” you have ever seen – the Charity Stewards from the Group 8 Lodges and Chapters, that sponsored each charity. (see picture above)
Behind the dragons sat an audience of some 70 members, their wives, friends and families who all listened intently as each charity outlined the amazing work that they do. Each presentation lasted for around 10 minutes (some longer, some shorter) and there was absolute silence in the room whilst we digested the enormity of work that these passionate individuals fulfil.
Each attending charity had been sponsored by one of the attending Lodges/Chapters and so there was no question of anyone going home empty handed. On top of this initial sponsorship, the Dragons would additionally donate funds (anonymously) to increase the size of the cheque to be presented at the close of the evening.
The Dragons listen to a pitch
A real understanding of where the money goes.
It must be stressed, that this event was never about asking a charity to “dance for our amusement”. As Freemasons we all give freely, but do we necessarily understand where our money goes, or indeed how those good causes put our donations to use?
This was an opportunity for the Charities to share with us the difference that our donations make, how youth is nurtured and developed, how those with terminal illnesses (and their families) are cared for, how those who live with disabilities have their lives enriched, and how our veterans are supported.
Some of the presentations were professional, some less so (but nonetheless impactful), and some were personal and raw. Claiming that this was a night of entertainment would be wrong but ask anyone who attended whether they enjoyed the evening, and the feedback was overwhelming.
Some light entertainment, however, was afforded when Miki Smith – the Provincial Grand Charity Steward (Chapter) took to the floor as we were finishing our buffet meal and hosted a brief game of Heads & Tails in a manner that only Miki can. Ian Tremelling – WM of Royal Navy Lodge – with both hands on his posterior was the victor and made off with a big bottle of Grants Whisky and a ‘Cymbolic Penalties CD’.
And so, to the presentation……….
A total of £6,075 was distributed amongst the attending Charities who were:
Thanet Army Cadets
Pilgrims Hospices
SSAFA
Thanet Riding for the Disabled
21 Together
Cancer Research
STAK Life
Holy Trinity Sea Scout Group
An additional £430 was donated by Mark Howells (our photographer for the evening), and the Raffle and Miki’s Heads & Tails raised another £600.
A by-product of the event
There was also some unintended by-product that came out of the evening, the Charities networked together, some had resources that would benefit another, some had transport, premises, and others had kit that been replaced, but still had some life.
And members of other Lodges who attended but were unable to sponsor a Charity are already talking of supporting those who presented at our Dragons Den on future occasions.
The evening was without question a huge hit, our audience are now better educated, and they enjoyed a great social night out with friends old and new, our charities were all thrilled with the cheques presented, and not one of our many guests said that they preferred Bingo!!
Article by Nigel Mann pictured far right.
This was indeed a 1st for Group 8, and we, as a committee of Coordinators will be encouraging our members to recommend other Charities so that similar exchanges can be made at our Birchington, Broadstairs and Ramsgate centres.
Being sponsored by Lodges/Chapters meant that no charity went away ‘Empty Handed’ but left with promises of kit and assistance and of course new friendships.
Just one of the items of feedback, I would like to share with you from a Lodge member after the event.
Hi Jim,
“What a great idea and super evening with charities able to engage with all present to let us know what they do and how their fund raising donations enable their work to continue.
The company was good, food excellent and all presentations well received.
Good to see a different and fun approach to fund raising and the combined efforts of multiple Lodges / Chapters made a much bigger donation possible that could be shared by multiple charities.
Super evening and great PR opportunity for showing Freemasonry in the Community.
Well Done Jim and all who worked in the background to set it all up.”
Thank you to all who attended in support and of course the Group’s Committee of Coordinators, in particular Nigel Mann who pulled it all together.
Jim Mason
Group 8 Chairman