The Funny Women 10th Anniversary Charity Challenge took place on International Women's Day which is also our Birthday (we were seven) on Thursday 8th March at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London.
10 high profile and inspirational women from the worlds of media, business, charity, academia, technology and politics performed stand-up comedy for the very first time in their lives to raise money for 10 amazing charities with the support of 10 of the UK's most well connected women's networks.
Hosted by Kate Garraway, the night also featured 2011 Funny Women Awards winner Lara A King and special guests.
Having worked with Funny Women in the past, Women in Technology were delighted to be part of the 10th Anniversary Charity Challenge. International Women's Day is an important day in our calendar not least because it's our birthday (we were seven this year) but also because it feels great that the world champions women's achievements, something both us and Funny Women support on a daily basis through the work we do. The team here were so proud to support our challenger, Dr Julie Greensmith, and would like to congratulate all those brave women who participated and made us laugh! Other highlights of the evening included the fabulous 'Four Femmes on the Thames' and the delectable host Kate Garraway. A well executed event and a cracking night out, all we want to know is….when’s the next one?!
Our Challenger - Dr Julie Greensmith
Women in Technology supported challenger Dr Julie Greensmith, (pictured right with Women in Technology MD Maggie Berry) a computer science lecturer in Intelligent Modelling & Analysis at the University of Nottingham. Julie is a 'geordie on tour'. Her research involves the creation of 'artificial immune systems' to fight computer viruses and the use of technology in understanding human emotions. When she is not playing with computers (as her Mum calls it) Julie plays in a local brass band and is a committed musical performer.
Her chosen charity was The Angelus Foundation whose aim is to educate, encourage and assist individuals to be more knowledgeable about the risks to their health and wellbeing of using 'legal highs; and other harmful social substances, including alcohol, in order that they may be ever more responsible for the choices they make and as as a result lead more wholesome and safer lives.
Julie has so far raised a total of £365. If you haven't already done so you can click here to sponsor Julie. To find out more about Funny Women and this event visit www.funnywomen.com.
Charity Challenge Winner
Winner of the Charity Challenge was Rowan Pelling - Journalist, broadcaster and former editor of the Erotic Review. Her chosen charity was Children in Crisis and she was supported by Ladies at 11. She has written an article about her experience here.
The Other Challengers
Carole Stone
Chairman of YouGovStones, freelance broadcaster, media consultant and former producer of Radio 4's Any Questions?
Charity: Triumph Over Phobia UK in association with The Victoria Foundation with the support of Women in Journalism
Vanessa Vallely
Founder of We Are the City
Charity: Wellbeing for Women with the support of We Are the City
Charlie Webster
TV Present for Sky Sports News and Sky Sports boxing coverage, athlete and amateur boxer
Charity: Women's Aid with the support of Women in Film & TV
Kate Nustedt
UK Executive Director at Women for Women International
Charity: Women for Women with the support of Soroptimist International
Hela Wozniak-Kay & Annie Brooks
Co-founders and Directors of Sister Snog
Charity: Dress for Success London with the support of Sister Snog
Deb Leary OBE
CEO of Forensic Pathways & President of British Association of Women Entrepreneurs. Consultant on Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, CSR, International Trade
Charity: FPA with the support of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs
Sharon Simpson
Life Coach, public speaker and founder of The Reinvention Diva blog
Charity: Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust (RAFT) with the support of Sister Snog.
Amisha Ghadiali
Sustainable fashion expert, founder of jewellery label amishaelegance rebellion and think-and-do tank ThinkActVote.
Charity: WomanKind with the support of Ogunte.
