On 29 May, Trustees Jackie and Ross presented the Unicorn Centre’s pitch for The Teesside Family Foundation: Together for Teesside Charity Face-off.
We were up against nine other local charities trying to pull on the heart strings of Tony Wedlake, Michael Poole and a bunch of other Teesside business gurus, in a Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank style competition for £20,000.
We were told there were about 150 applicants. These were whittled down to 26 and then the public voted for the top 10–we made that top 10.
1️⃣ Billy's Room
2️⃣ CAUSE Foundation
3️⃣ The Glowsticks Project
4️⃣ The Grenfell Club
5️⃣ The Clover Group
6️⃣ Community Links Hartlepool
7️⃣ EVA Women’s Aid
8️⃣ The Unicorn Centre
9️⃣ Deluxe Duo Kidz Parties CIC
🔟 Nite Light CIC
It was hosted by compère Steve Walls.
We did not win. Notwithstanding, Jackie did an incredible job collating all the photos, videos and quotes. She put together, and delivered, a very compelling presentation.
There were some very good pitches from the other charities too. The winner was Nite Light CIC. They run a digital ‘pay-it-forward’ programme as well as community hubs in the Newport ward and Grangetown. They were the last to present.
It was a nerve-wracking, emotional and humbling experience. Although the Unicorn Centre was not successful today, we managed to raise the profile and awareness of the life-changing work the staff and volunteers deliver every day. We remain hopeful the Foundation will still make some sort of donation to the Centre in the not too distant future.
