JD Sports' tech helps raise funds
By Retail Technology | Monday September 23 2013
Sportswear retailer uses innovative fundraising technology to boost cancer charity's coffers at recent event
To ensure the success of its high profile charity event, JD Sports enlisted the help of innovative fundraising technology company, Bidtech.
Using its bespoke event package, the sports firm was able to raise more than £150,000 for The Christie.
JD Sports organised the star-studded Diamond Ball as part of a three-year partnership with The Christie charity to raise money for the development of a new teenage cancer unit, which is due for completion in spring 2014.
Star-studded charity occasion
A total of 450 guests, including high profile celebrities and TV stars, were invited to the ball, which took place at The Hilton Hotel Deansgate in Manchester. During the night, guests were treated to a three course meal and live music, and invited to take part in a number of live and silent auctions, bidding for a range of sought after items including a boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali.
To heighten guests’ user experience, Bidtech provided each table with Apple iPads equipped with its own unique event technology. Acting as a digital programme for the event, the iPads allowed users to access information about the charity, sponsors and highlights of the ball, while offering a process for guests to place their silent auction bids. High resolution images and information of each auction item were placed at bidders’ fingertips, with real-time updates alerting guests when they were outbid.
A ‘pledge’ feature on the Bidtech iPad meant guests could make their own personal contributions at any time, generating additional funds alongside the charity auction. The anonymous bid function also proved popular, with one guest bidding £3,100 for a Rolling Stones branded guitar. The interactive technology also served as a talking point for socialising guests, and event managers were able to see targets met and exceeded as the night went on.
Maximising fundraising opportunity
The Diamond Ball was an overwhelming success raising over £150,000 for the charity. Joseph Simpson, JD Sports marketing coordinator, said: “A large amount of the money raised was thanks to the silent auction, and we are very grateful to Bidtech for their work on the night. The iPads were a great success and proved extremely popular with guests, helping us to run a large number of silent auction prizes without taking all the time of the main auction. The Bidtech technology and assistance allowed the night to run smoothly and ensured we raised the maximum amount for a very worthy cause.”
Jane Jelly, Bidtech head of sales, added: “As Bidtech was founded in the North West, The Christie is close to many of our employee’s hearts. To be able to use the technology we’ve developed to support such a vital project like the youth cancer unit made us very proud, and we were glad we could make the event special for all involved.”