SBI Social Committee Fundraiser a Success
By Soraya Epp, Ciara Gallagher & Maryann Kelly
7 January 2025
The SBI Social Committee raised more than (opens in a new window)€7,000 for the (opens in a new window)Children’s Health Foundation over the course of November/December 2024. Both students and staff across the SBI centre raised funds through group events and challenges both online and in person, resulting in the biggest fundraising effort in the last several years at SBI, and possibly the biggest ever!
The funds are earmarked for the (opens in a new window)“Giggle Fund” at Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin, which is an initiative that “aims to bring some much-needed light relief to patients in CHI at Crumlin during what can be a stressful time for both the children and their families.” This can be everything from organising birthday parties to special days out.
The fundraiser would not have been such a success without the participation of more than 35 team members from SBI and friends of SBI. There were five teams and two individuals who set themselves challenging goals to raise money. The teams included a hiking team, a running team, a rowing team, a crafting team and a bake sale team. The individuals were Soraya Epp (Halasz/Kolch Groups) who traveled more than 1,000 km by motorcycle around Ireland in 6 days, and Sudharshan Rao (Eissner Group), who won three important tennis matches and became the Winner of the Dublin Lawn Tennis Council Floodlit League Men’s Class 6!
The SBI centre management team shared its support on X, saying, “SBI would like to say Congratulations to all of the teams on this huge achievement. Not only is it a wonderful success for the charity, and possibly the largest fundraiser in SBI's 15 yr history, but it was a truly impactful way to bring people together as well.”
Here’s what some of the fundraiser participants had to say about the experience:
“Fundraising to help children with cancer was a truly rewarding and unique experience. It was not only fun but also gave me the perfect reason to get back on the trails. Knowing that my efforts could bring smiles to children’s faces and make a real difference made it all the more meaningful.” - Rashmi Sharma, DevelopMed Fellow and Postdoctoral Researcher (Kolch/Gomez-Matallanas Groups)
“I thoroughly enjoyed it! 10/10 would do it again” - Sudharshan Rao, Research Scientist (Eissner Group)
“I loved being part of the fundraiser. Not only was it for a good cause, as a new member of SBI, it helped me become more involved with my peers and friends as well” - Mani Beygi, MSc Student (Halasz Group)
“I had such a great time taking part in the bake sale for the SBI charity fundraiser! Baking all the treats was so much fun, especially knowing it was for a good cause. Sharing them with the UCD community made it even better—everyone was so enthusiastic and supportive. It felt amazing to see people coming together and enjoying the goodies while helping out such an important cause.” - Martina Kreileder, Postdoctoral Researcher (Kolch Group)
“The fundraiser was very well organized. I think getting people to work in groups really made it feel like a team effort. I particularly liked the pub quiz and joining in a hike.” - Donagh Egan, Postdoctoral Researcher (Kolch/Zhernovkov/Brennan Groups)
"218km rowed for a cause close to our hearts! Training with my amazing teammates Kieran and David made it all the more special and fun. On the big day, we gave it all (literally!) to raise funds for sick children and their families. We were blown away by the generosity of everyone who donated and people's support, making this experience unforgettable! " - Amaya Garcia, SBI Wet Laboratory Manager & Safety Coordinator
