On Monday 18th November, Raise and Give (RAG) hosted their second Take Me Out event of this academic year to raise money for their five nominated charities: Unseen UK, Alzheimers Society, The Wave Project, Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services and First Light Southwest.

Both of their events this year have sold out and at the first event they raised £1150 and at the most recent they raised £1050.

After selling out spectacularly at the first RAG Take Me Out of the year, this time they sold tickets online allowing attendees to queue jump on the night and also to get early admission to secure the best spot. 

They also introduced a brand new host this time, who did an amazing job.

Izzy Mae Dawson, Take Me Out host said:

"I loved the energy of Take Me Out! I especially enjoyed the audience participation, people cheering for their favourite panellist and last-minute contestants too. Everyone was talking to each other and it felt like a really positive environment."

Take Me Out is an event which has been run by Plymouth RAG since 2014. It's a beloved RAG event and is improving each year. This year they have:

• Tried to make Take Me Out more inclusive by opening it up to everyone including LGBT+ individuals, however, due to low numbers we haven't seen an LGBT round yet. However, they have introduced a specific LGBT+ Take Me Out for Pride later in the year.
• Removed gender barriers by allowing girls to be contestants and the guys to be on the panel 
• Gone plastic-free, getting rid of the balloons and replacing them with new reusable lights 

Holly Stock, RAG Vice President Events said:

"There's nothing better than raising money for incredible charities while also having a laugh at some people trying to get dates! Take Me Out puts the fun in fundraising!"

Luke Hardcastle, Charity Representative for Meningitis Research Foundation said:

"This was one of the best RAG events I have ever been to! There was great audience participation and engagement"

Emilia Dowse, RAG President said:

"Take Me Out is one of my favourite RAG events. I loved coming and watching it in my first year and now I am helping to run it and improve it for the future! So far we have introduced new lights, found a new host, and made the event more accessible! This event had a great turnout and amazing audience participation."

Raise and Give (RAG) is the main student fundraising group on campus. They have a committee of passionate student volunteers who help to organise fundraising events and opportunities for the students of the University of Plymouth. If you're a student who wants to get involved with fundraising but doesn't want the commitment of being on a committee, this year they are offering membership options which will allow you to attend meetings and help out at events as and when you can.

Find out more about RAG on their page or via social media. Facebook // Twitter // Instagram