Following months of preparation, costume making, choreography and rehearsals, the Zurich UK Life Finance 'Starz in their Eyes 10 Year Anniversary Special' took place at the De Vere hotel, Swindon on Thursday 17 November.
Pictured: Katie Morris, Sam Saye, Serena Hazell, Laura McSharry, Pippa Owen and Maxine Phillips from Tax change ‘It’s Raining Men’ to ‘It’s Tax Year End’
The event proved to be a resounding success, with all funds raised via ticket sales, raffle and DVD sales going to support Hop, Skip & Jump, a Gloucestershire based charity providing flexible, immediate and sustained day care for children with life-limiting or threatening illnesses, or any special need, with support for their families! Pictured: Dan Pender, CFO UK Life, hands an initial cheque for funds raised before the night to Hop, Skip & Jump.
The money is still coming in but, including matching from Zurich Community Trust, the total is expected to exceed £2,800. And - as you can see from the pictures - the event also raised quite a few smiles along the way.
The evening was organised by the staff Finance Aids Charity Events (FACE) committee. Every other year since 2001, the team has put on an X Factor style talent show as a fundraiser with a difference.
This year's event started with a performance from ‘A Dott Ash’, a rap artist who has recently supported Tinchy Stryder on tour and attended the event to represent the great work done by Zurich Community Trust's local charity partner, County Community Projects, based in Cheltenham.
Then Matthew Kelly (aka Zurich's Financial Controller, Neil Evans) introduced the judges for the evening in the form of Dan Pender (Zurich UK Life CFO), Simon Clifford (Openwork CFO) and Mandy McPherson (Senior Finance Manager) – who were asked to offer up their thoughts following each of the acts.
What followed was a sight to behold. Nine wonderfully entertaining performances ranging from Jay Hooke & the Cash girls' rendition of a Gary Glitter classic (whilst clad in sequins and platformo boots) to the Investment team tribute to Britney Spears.
Want to see a slideshow of all the acts? Just click on the image to the left. Just want the pictures? Please click here.
And the winner is…
When the votes were counted the 'starz' of the evening shone through. Taking third place were the Financial Reporting team who performed a Lady GaGa medley. They were closely followed by the ladies from Tax who cleverly adapted ‘It’s Raining Men’ to ‘It’s Tax Year End’ performed beautifully by their lead singer, Katie Morris.
The winners, receiving a special Starz trophy and a standing ovation, were Steve Wall and Jon Williams! Jon and Steve performed a Kylie & Jason medley that included a number of costume changes and ended with a fully choreographed rendition of ‘Can’t get you out of my head’ performed in authentic white one piece costumes;
"We had a wonderful time at your superb event - thank you so much for inviting us all along; the young people did not want to leave! It was great fun and a real treat for us all and it sounds as though you have raised a mammoth amount for Hop Skip and Jump Swindon - thank you" Verity Brooke, Hop, Skip & Jump.
"Dancing badly round the stage in a few strips of see-through white material should be horrific, but I have to admit it was great fun and the audience reaction was amazing. Winning was the icing on the cake but it would have been a great night regardless of who won." Steve Wall, Head of Finance Transformation
The evening closed with a set from the Finance team's own band, Outta Site and some open mic karaoke for those who felt inspired.
"I have never attended anything like it before. At times I was at a loss for words but throughout I felt an enormous sense of pride to be part of such a special team of people. It was a thoroughly uplifting and enjoyable evening that I will never forget." Daniel Pender, Zurich UK Life CFO
