Jail and Bail Exeter took place on Thursday 14 March in support of Children’s Hospice South West where several business people found themselves on the wrong side of the law as part of this entertaining fundraiser.
Jail and Bail Exeter is a hugely entertaining courtroom event that sees fundraisers arrested, charged with their ‘crimes’ and then placed on trial. Having been found guilty, the reprobates were taken into custody, photographed, tried and banished by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Kevin Mitchell and sent down to the cells at Exeter Castle!
As part of the comedy fundraiser crimes, the ‘prisoners’, who had to raise £999 bail in order to be released included:
- Edward Lee from Wollens,
- Todd Gifford from Optimising IT | B Corp™
- Kate James from Porter Dodson
- Nick Parry from Utility Warehouse
- David Hunt from ZERO7
- Richard Marsh from Exeter Chamber and
- Stephen Levy from Winkworth.
Jail and Bail Exeter raises 8K for Children’s Hospice South West
“When I was asked if I’d like to take part in Jail and Bail Exeter, in aid of CHSW, I couldn’t say no,” says Todd Gifford. “It’s a cause I wish didn’t need to exist, but I am also glad it does, offering much-needed care. It was a brilliant experience to be part of this fundraising, I met some awesome people, and raised 131% of the target. Watch out though, I have a few names on a list for next year, so expect a knock at the door….”
So far, collectively, the ‘prisoners’ have raised over £8000, with donations still coming in, for CHSW, a charity that provides care and support to families living in the South West, who have children with life-limiting conditions.
Left: Todd Gifford from Optimising IT at Jail and Bail Exeter. Right: The Lord Mayor of Exeter sentencing participants.
Another Jail and Bail Exeter, participant, Nick Parry from Utility Warehouse, is planning on fundraising for the charity again: “First time arrested. First time in the back of a police van. First time in front of a judge. First time in a prison outfit. First time in a cell. Not the first time raising money for Children’s Hospice South West.”
Kate Romo, Events Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, said: “Jail and Bail Exeter was so much fun from start to finish! Everyone really embraced the event and raised an incredible sum which will enable us to continue to support children and young people who are not expected to reach adulthood.
“Thank you so much to everyone that supported the event; Venaspace for letting us take over your offices at Exeter in the morning, the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary for ‘arresting’ our participants, the Lord Mayor of Exeter for sentencing our ‘criminals’ and to Franco Manca Exeter for the delicious pizzas that kept everyone fed!
“We’d also like to say a big thank you to Exeter Castle, our stunning venue and to Tesco Bideford and Tesco Rose Lane for providing snacks for the day. We are already making plans for our next Jail and Bail event so please get in touch if you would like to join us for the next one!“
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) invites you to join the CHSW Business Club
About Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW)
- Children’s Hospice South West was first registered with the charity commission in 1991 and celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2021.
- It is dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives, providing the best possible hospice care for children living with life-limiting conditions and their families.
- There are three hospices in the South West: Little Bridge House in Barnstaple (opened 1995), Charlton Farm in Bristol (opened 2007) and Little Harbour in St Austell (opened 2011).
- CHSW is the only children’s hospice in the South West. It costs around £11 million to run the three hospice sites each year and the charity relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions.
- CHSW delivers a range of services including short breaks, specialist play, music therapy, activities for siblings, palliative and emergency care, end-of-life care, bereavement support and specialist medical care – all available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.
- The services are free for families.
To find out more about our work, visit www.chsw.org.uk
