Joining a business network group was an inspired move by corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball.
No sooner had she signed up to BNI Silk than the floodgates opened with offers of support for East Cheshire Hospice where she works.
So much so the kind-hearted business group has donated £22,662 to the charity from fundraising initiatives.
A bumper total considering Lisa only joined the Macclesfield-based organisation in January.
Lisa Ball (centre) and East Cheshire Hospice colleague Rachel Allcock (second right) with BNI Silk members (from left) Leanne Findler, Angela Highton, Kevin Cook, Lee Shore and Joe Etherington.
Fellow members of the 28-strong group were so impressed by what they heard about the Hospice from Lisa that they swung into action and participated in various activities.
Lisa said: “BNI Silk members have been amazing. They’ve listened to what the Hospice needs and done their utmost to support us.
“The business group meet every week which is lovely and it’s been great to see so many familiar faces from my BNI family turn up at fundraisers to do their bit.
“I joined the group to extend the hospice’s reach and gain new contacts – the fundraising support has been an added bonus!”
Seven BNI Silk members took part in Born Survivor at Capesthorne Hall, raising £1,285, while an email marketing campaign was gifted by Lee Shore of Macclesfield company Merrehill, a gesture which generated income of £11,500.
Members took part in the Starlight Walk, attended quiz nights and donated more than 1,000 Crème Eggs.
Nick Stratford, of Stratford Solicitors, in Poynton, donated £3,600 from unclaimed funds. There have been plenty of other activities by members as well.
Arman Kizir, of Luna Film, is donating a promotional video for the Hospice’s Fire and Ice Walk at Macclesfield Rugby on Thursday, November 9.
Others donated plants for the Hospice, while gel sachets for participants in the Great Manchester Run in May.
BNI Silk President Kevin Cook said: “Lisa’s passion for the hospice is infectious and inspired us all to do our bit for this amazing local facility which benefits so many people from across the area.
“I’m really delighted with everyone’s enthusiasm. Our business group is all about supporting each other to grow and develop our businesses, so I shouldn’t really be surprised at the effort everyone has made.”
BNI Silk meet at Macclesfield Golf Club on Thursdays from 6.45 am until 8.30 am.
To find out more about the group email admin@bni-ce.co.uk.
During the last 12 months members of Silk BNI have referred more than £3.74m worth of business to each other.
