Fundraising event returns: King Koil Great Auckland Bed Race   7 Mar 2014

The Great Auckland Bed Race Charitable Trust

King Koil springs into action!
Famous fundraising event returns – The King Koil Great Auckland Bed Race is now supporting all New Zealand registered charities

Following its inaugural success last year, The King Koil Great Auckland Bed Race (KKGABR) has shifted venue for its 2014 edition and will run at the Auckland Domain on Sunday 13 April. This fun day extravaganza aims to beat last year’s fundraising efforts, which totaled more than $30,000 for the Hospices of Auckland. In an exciting tweak to the format, bed racing teams can support their charity of choice, which opens this charitable platform up to all New Zealand registered charities.

Platinum sponsor A H Beard Ltd has already sprung into action, linking their famous King Koil brand to the event. A leading New Zealand bed manufacturer, A H Beard is delighted to align their long-established promise of ‘superior sleep’ with this innovative family fun day offering “the most fun you’ll ever have in bed – with knobs AND wheels on!”

“We’re delighted to be involved with this event. We believe it’s important for local communities and businesses to actively engage with registered charities, helping to raise awareness and committing ongoing support to deserving causes,” says Sharon McGeough, A H Beard Ltd, NZ Sales and Training Manager.

The KKGABR is essentially a game of two halves. Firstly, the bed racing teams decorate their specially crafted beds and dress in costumes to participate in a novelty fancy dress parade. They take their inspiration from the event theme, which is ‘Under the Covers – Cuddle Buddies’. So, who is in your bed, or more importantly who would you like to be there?

Later in the day, the same teams strip off their costumes to race their beds around a designated three kilometre course, competing in a time trial for the glory of the podium. All teams consist of one passenger (sitting or lying in the bed) and six runners. Originally an English concept, this unique fundraising event was brought to New Zealand in May 2013 by Samantha Jung-Fielding.

“We welcome all kinds of runners! Whilst some highly competitive teams are back to defend their title, we also have plenty of fun runners who simply come to enjoy the day, no matter their racing ability. In fact, everyone is eager to raise funds for their chosen cause, and this is the key focus in the lead-up to the event. Racing teams achieve this by raising the profile of their charity in their local community, and encouraging the support and sponsorship of family, friends and business colleagues,” she says.

People can also get involved in the KKGABR by sponsoring the event or volunteering on the day. Spectators are encouraged to attend and view the race, sample the treats at the food stalls, enter raffles, enjoy the free entertainment and perhaps win a spot prize.

“There are plenty of trophies to be won including coveted prizes for best costumes and best-dressed bed. Over the years, I’ve seen teams dressed as Village People, sporting heros, zombies and Smurfs. Kiwis are known for their ingenuity, so I’m look forward to seeing the incredible costumes Aucklanders come up with again,” says Jung-Fielding.

With its new central Auckland location, the KKGABR is the ideal event for corporate businesses to encourage team-building and leveraging corporate and community pride.

I’d really love to see companies like restaurants, pubs, banks, legal firms and accountants challenging each other to participate. It’s perfect for employees, as it encourages team-building as well as fitness, and brings a significant feel-good factor to everyone involved,” says McGeough.

Each racing team is fundraising for the registered New Zealand charity of their choice. In addition, the 2014 corporate sponsorship of the event spearheaded by A H Beard enables the organizing team to offer significant cash prizes at the event. In effect this means that any charity represented at the event by one or more racing team has the opportunity to really win big, simply by showing up!

The KKGABR is organized by The Great Auckland Bed Race Charitable Trust.

For more information please visit www.greataucklandbedrace.co.nz

ENDS

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