Mechanical engineering contractor Pruce Newman delivered an outstanding performance this weekend, as staff, family and friends of the Norfolk-based business joined a three-hour Zumba marathon to raise over £600 for the company’s charity of the year, The Benjamin Foundation.
Held at Spixworth Village Hall, the event attracted a broad range of people from committed Zumba enthusiasts to first-timers, all looking to raise money for a local charity whilst having fun and keeping fit at the same time.
The event was organised by Keith and Julie Dixon, both long-time supporters of The Benjamin Foundation. Julie runs North Norfolk Fitness and delivered the Zumbathon with her associate Emily. Keith, who is also Compliance Manager at Pruce Newman, explained how the idea came about.
“The Benjamin Foundation is very much a local charity to us, as it was started and was run for many years, from North Walsham, where we live. The charity has since moved to Norwich as it expands its services throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, but still has a residence in the town for the young people requiring their services. Every year we like to support at least one Charity with a 3-hour Zumbathon; apart from raising money for a good cause, it also gives the Zumba enthusiasts a chance to do an additional 3-hour class doing something they enjoy. For those who would not normally do Zumba, but want to support the charity, it is an opportunity to find out what it is all about. The event went well with everyone having a good time keeping fit.”
Rachel Hogg, Communications Coordinator at The Benjamin Foundation, joined us at the event. Speaking after the three-hour session, she commented:
“A huge thank you to everyone who took part in and organised the Zumbathon to raise money for our charity – there was certainly lots of enthusiasm and energy in the room. We’re really delighted that the participants enjoyed taking part and raising money to bring hope, opportunity, stability and independence to local children young people and adults who benefit from the help of The Benjamin Foundation. Our continued thanks to Pruce Newman, who have organised another brilliant event in support of our charity.”
The Zumbathon is just one of a series of events that Pruce Newman have developed in support of The Benjamin Foundation, a charity which works across Norfolk and Suffolk to help people in a range of situations, and which has a particular focus on ending youth homelessness in the region. Pruce Newman have already held a Quiz & Chips night which raised over £1000, and will be offering further opportunities to staff, customers and the public to participate in future initiatives. At the end of the Zumbathon, fundraisers were treated to a preview of a concert which is scheduled to take place on 11th May 2019, with an impromptu performance by singer Kayleigh Gare.
Pruce Newman has a long history of successfully supporting local charities to make a difference in its community. Alan Pruce, Operations Director, summed up the reasons why this social responsibility is so important to Pruce Newman.
“We’re delighted to be working with The Benjamin Foundation this year, which is a fantastic local charity delivering vital services to young people and families across the region. As a medium-sized local employer, and a family-owned business, we’re well aware of the importance of a stable family life, and the impact that any disruption or hardship can have. The Benjamin Foundation helps over 2,000 people a year through many disruptive situations, and we’re pleased that we can play our part to support that work. We’re grateful to everyone who supported the Zumbathon, through sponsorship, by donating raffle prizes, and by turning up and exercising for three hours on a Sunday morning. Pruce Newman will be matching the £600 that Sunday’s event raised, so overall we’ll be donating £1200 to the Benjamin Foundation as a result.”
