Lucky 13! Business Journalists Corporate Challenge to raise funds for Dublin Simon Community.

The Business Journalists Association of Ireland (BJAI) today launched the 13th annual Corporate Challenge quiz, in aid of Dublin Simon Community. The event will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2013, at the Radisson Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 2. RTE’s Bryan Dobson will return as quizmaster and Mr. Justice Peter Kelly (Commercial Court judge) will adjudicate on the night. This year, BT Ireland has come on board as the Corporate Challenge’s main sponsor, and KBC Bank and Corporate Reputations are additional sponsors.

Kelly Crowley of Dublin Simon Community said, “In these difficult economic times, the BJAI Corporate Challenge fundraising initiative has become a vitally important event for Dublin Simon Community, with over €50,000 raised at last year’s event alone. We are extremely grateful to the BJAI and to everyone who takes part in the event. Their generous support over the years has allowed us to continue to provide the critical help needed to address the underlying causes of homelessness and support people in moving from the chaos of sleeping rough back to regaining their confidence and independence.”

The Corporate Challenge is open to all companies interested in helping to raise funds for Dublin Simon Community, who provide services and support to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Each year the Corporate Challenge Quiz night attracts some of the top names from the world of law and business. Since the annual event begun it has raised more than €300,000 for the Dublin Simon Community.

Laura Noonan, Chair, the Business Journalist Association of Ireland, said, “Irish companies came out in full force to support the BJA corporate challenge last year, with more than 40 competing on the night and many more sending prizes and lending a hand with the night’s organisation. We’re sure we’ll see the same generosity for this year’s event, and we hope an equally great night is had by all.”

The cost for a corporate table of four is €1,000. One member of the BJAI will also join a corporate table and act as an additional team member for the evening's quiz. The event starts 7:15pm with drinks and the quiz starts at 8p.m. Last year’s winner was RTÉ, Ireland's national television and radio broadcaster, who were presented with a custom designed Waterford Crystal Trophy.

Priscilla O’Regan, Head of Communications at BT Ireland, the main sponsor, said, “BT Ireland’s Better Future programme contributes close to €1 million (cash/inkind) to a variety of corporate responsibility initiatives.  We jumped at the chance to become the lead sponsor of the BJAI Corporate Challenge as it’s a great way to bring media and business together with the common goal of fundraising for the vital service that Dublin Simon Community provides.” 

Aidan Power, Head of Brand, Marketing and e Channels at KBC Bank Ireland, said, “KBC Bank Ireland is delighted to support the vital work of Dublin Simon Community and sponsor this excellent fundraising event. We are delighted to support an organisation that engages in such vital work with those who are homeless.”

Niamh Boyle, Managing Director, Corporate Reputations, said, “We are calling on all organisations, large and small, to participate in this fun and worthy fundraising initiative event.All you need to do is create a team of four and book a corporate table for the night to raise vital funds for Dublin Simon Community.”