Quiz raises record amount for charity

Exeter’s 12th annual Really Big Quiz once again broke its fundraising record, raising an impressive £8,141 for the Lord Mayor of Exeter’s charity, Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF).

Organised by chartered accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards, the quiz took place at the Corn Exchange in Exeter on Wednesday 13 May. The hall was packed with 73 teams representing local firms, all eager to win the title of Exeter’s brainiest business.

Guests enjoyed an enthralling evening of challenging quiz questions presented by John Coombs and Adrian Hemmings of Simpkins Edwards.  This was followed by a raffle and auction hosted by auctioneer James Morrish of Kivells.

For the third year running Mr Morrish encouraged all guests to play the Heads or Tails game.  This, together with the auction, a record breaking raffle and money raised from entry fees, made up the £8,141, which was presented to Dr Richard Lee, Trustee for ELF in the form of a cheque.

The winning team once again came from ATASS Ltd, who this year entered six teams.  The winners were presented with a trophy to mark their victory, as well as some well-earned champagne. Teams from University of Exeter (The Quizzly Bears) and The Merry Harriers came second and third respectively, winning wine and chocolates.

“This year’s Really Big Quiz has helped raise a fantastic amount for a wonderful cause,” said John Coombs, Partner at Simpkins Edwards. “We’d like to congratulate ATASS who succeeded in retaining the trophy this year.  We’d also like to thank everyone who took part, especially those organisations that donated such a great range of raffle and auction prizes.”

He continued: “I have no doubt that the top auction item – a night for two on board HMS Defender, including a Navy escort to the ship and dinner with the Captain - played a part in drawing so many teams to the event.  The promise of this unique experience really grabbed the imagination of guests. 

“Combined with our other auction items, which included a framed, signed Coldplay poster, a Rugby World Cup 2015 ball signed by Exeter Chiefs and England player Jack Nowell and the chance to win a John Lewis style experience, this helped us to surpass last year’s fundraising figure by nearly £2,000.”

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Percy Prowse added: “Both myself and my wife, the Lady Mayoress, pay tribute to all the hard work from Simpkins Edwards in their 12th running of The Big Quiz, in honour of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity. 

“Following the event Exeter Leukaemia Fund benefited to the record amount of £8,141.  This will now be used towards the cost of extending a ward at the RD&E, which will enable families to stay with their loved ones while they receive tailored support for blood cancers and blood disorders.”

The Lord Mayor added: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part, including the Sea Cadets who once again helped collect the answer sheets.  The event was a hugely successful and enjoyable evening and helped Exeter Leukaemia Fund well on its way to raising the £400,000 needed for the ward extension.”