Brokers top league in Dragon's charity race
It reveals that staff at the Exeter office of Charles Stanley stockbrokers have so far raised the most cash, followed by construction firm Midas Group.
But there is plenty of time for all that to change as participating companies stage more fundraising activities in aid of the NSPCC's South West Child's Voice appeal.
Carrie Cardale, the charity's regional corporate fundraising manager, thanked the businesses who have already lodged money and urged other contenders to follow suit so the league table is up to date in time for next week's drinks reception with Deborah Meaden.
The appeal chairwoman and Dragons' Den star will spend a day with the firm that raises the most cash.
The Buckerell Lodge boosted its chances of winning by hosting a successful wedding fair on Sunday.
The event was staged by Aladdin Gulec, of the Professional Wedding Photographers Network, and featured 19 exhibitors, ranging from photographers to dress makers and car hire firms.
Bruce Harvey, sales manager at the hotel in Topsham Road, said: "We had 91 brides registered and we raised over £500 for the NSPCC, which was excellent. A percentage of the money exhibitors paid went to the charity and when people arrived we asked them to make a donation."
Hotel staff are now preparing to visit the Met Office next month, with tasty treats for sale, and they will stage a quiz night on Thursday, March 18 — call Bruce Harvey on 01392 221111 or 07917 575464 to take part .
Elsewhere, law firm Foot Anstey is holding a fundraising family fun night at Crealy Great Adventure Park to help it reach its £5,000 target.
Crealy, near Clyst St Mary, has donated the use of its Adventure Zone indoor play area and café and Foot Anstey is inviting staff from its four regional offices to take friends and family there on Wednesday, February 17, between 6-11pm.
Angela Wright, managing director of Crealy, said: "We are delighted to offer use of our facilities for Foot Anstey to hold their family fun evening and raise money for the Dragon's Challenge."
With 150 tickets for sale, Foot Anstey hopes to raise more than £500.
The winner of two tickets to An Audience With Deborah Meaden, at the University of Exeter tomorrow, is Samantha Thorne-Stone, an account manager with Grey Matter of Ashburton.
