The Lighthouse Charity’s Christmas lunch raised almost £290,000 for the construction community.
The lunch took place on Friday 6 December at the Westminster Park Plaza and over 950 guests attended.
David Flatman, ‘Flats,’ rugby presenter and commentator, along with Ellie Costello, Weekend Breakfast presenter and journalist, opened up proceedings.
Edward Naylor and Lyndsey Gallagher, co-chairs of the Trustees formally paid tribute to Des O’Rourke and John Carey who had passed away earlier in the year, prompting a standing ovation from the room.
Bill Hill, former CEO, was presented with a commemorative Lighthouse pin and bottle of whiskey in recognition of his service to the charity.
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, delivered an update on the charitable services delivered, highlighting a record number of families helped, financial support and sites visited.
A statement from the charity said that this year saw MACL net the coveted Peter Capel’ Cup which is awarded each year in recognition of outstanding achievements from organisations supporting the charity. MACL’s annual fishathon has raised more than £60,000 since its inception four years ago, it noted.
Ron “Rocket” Sant, senior site manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to be awarded the Peter Capel Cup and truly cannot think of a better charity to raise money for. Each year we are staggered by the amount of money we raise through the fishathons, but for us, it goes beyond that, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness around wellbeing within the construction industry, helping to support those in need.”
Sarah Bolton, Lighthouse Charity CEO, added: “This is our opportunity to reflect on our charity’s achievements throughout the year: the services we’ve delivered and the people we have helped. But most of all it’s to celebrate the successes of our fantastic supporters.
“Whether you are helping us to spread the message of support, organising fundraising, committing to be an annual company supporter or attending one of our events, you are helping us to make a life changing and lifesaving impact for our construction community.
“I am completely amazed at the amount of money raised, we’ve surpassing all previous fundraising events. Guests were hugely generous with their support of the live and silent auction, raffle entries and donations on the day. We know how tough it is out there at the moment which makes it all the more meaningful. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that supported us, whether it was volunteering behind the scenes, booking tables, sponsoring the event or donating auction items, thank you so much.”
