Rufus Leonard directors get a soaking

06 June 2005

The directors of leading brand and digital consultancy Rufus Leonard got a soaking this Friday after being put in stocks for the afternoon – but it was all in the name of charity!  The “Throw-a-wet-sponge-at-a-director” game was part of the company’s Big Summer Fete, which saw their Farringdon offices converted into a paradise of stalls, silly games and delicious food. The fete was held to raise money for the company’s forthcoming participation in the Microsoft Challenge, in support of the NSPCC.

Although throwing wet sponges at directors was by far the most popular event at the fete, there was also a host of other attractions for the 150 plus guests to enjoy. TV’s, DVDs and a sailing holiday were auctioned off, there were bargains galore on the Bric & Brac stalls, a huge BBQ, lucky dip and plenty of Pimms. The summer fete was the latest in a number of innovative fundraising efforts in support of the NSPCC by the Rufus Leonard team, including an Easter bonnet competition, the creation of a dedicated microsite (at www.rufusleonard.com) and sponsorship packs with bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels for clients and suppliers.

The Microsoft UK Challenge is an annual corporate event, which this year is held in the Cambrian mountains. Each team pits their brawn and brains against each other throughout four days of physical endurance and mental challenge. Some of the UK’s largest companies compete each year and novices Rufus Leonard will be taking on the might of the likes of BT, Coca Cola, QinetiQ, Vodafone and even the Army Training Regiment!  Some of whom, as clients of Rufus Leonard, attended the fete on Friday – checking out the competition no doubt.  This year’s Microsoft Challenge is being held on the 8th -12th June.

Peter Barker, team captain for the Microsoft Challenge said: “The Microsoft Challenge is not It's A Knockout, or a half-baked Krypton Factor: it's a serious, televised, international event and only the fittest, strongest and most cohesive teams stand a fighting chance. Gulp.”

Melissa Mullins, account manager at the NSPCC said: “This year marks five years since the Microsoft UK Challenge was first held in aid of the NSPCC. On this milestone it is wonderful to see all the teams working together to try and raise a record-breaking £500,000 for our work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable children.

“The NSPCC runs 180 projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all working towards our goal of ending cruelty to children. None of this work would be possible without the support of companies like Rufus Leonard.”

The Rufus Leonard, Microsoft Challenge team is: Peter Barker, Iain Millar, Adam Croxen, Niamh Spillane, John Wilson, Madge and Steven Storey.