2005 End-to-End raises record amount for charity

$225,000 donated to six charities
Bermuda End-to-End announced today that in spite of inclement weather on event day, an estimated 1600 participants assisted by over 400 volunteers raised $225,000 in pledges.
 
Each of the charity recipients were presented with their piece of the Bermuda End-to-End pie at a ceremony held Wednesday, June 22nd during Hamilton Harbour Nights. This year’s charity recipients are: Open Airways, Sunshine League, Bermuda Stroke Association, Crimestoppers, Age Concern, and Riding for the Disabled
 
Bermuda End-to-End announced that this year’s exceptional outcome was made possible by the efforts of a record number of over 400 volunteers from civic and professional organizations, Bermuda Government Departments, local Businesses, and Members of the Community. Because volunteers are such a vital part of the event, a special award donated by Otto Wurtz was designated for Volunteer of the Year. This year’s recipient is Karon Wolffe who was recognized for her long service as a volunteer for the Bermuda End-to-End event. Karon has been part of the event from the start, acting as a member of the committee and later as a volunteer.
 
The End-to-End also recognized the contribution of all of their sponsors who enable the event to pass on all of the monies raised through pledges to the charities. The significant contributions of the ETE premier sponsors, Mobility and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, were also acknowledged.
The top four members of the Gold Club for 2005 – the individuals who have made outstanding pledge contributions to the event – were awarded gift certificates for mobile phones by Sharon Leman, spokesperson for premier sponsor Mobility Limited. The recipients are:
 
Barry McDonald
$4,077
Heidi DeSilva
$2,312
Jennifer Brookes
$2,200
Douglas Frith
$1,305
 
A special presentation by Mobility was made to two outstanding Youth Gold Club members, Andrew and Christopher Frith, for their outstanding fundraising of $1,243 and $1,223 respectively.
 
Chief Operating Officer for Mobility, John Narraway stated, “I am amazed that in spite of the rain that started this year’s event off, it managed to attract over 1600 participants – that’s 100 over last year. It’s obvious that the organizers of this event are a dedicated group of professionals who continue to raise this event to the next level, keeping participants interested and keen on contributing year after year.”
 
Record numbers of youth participated in this year’s event due in part to an aggressive campaign spear-headed by premier sponsor Bank of Bermuda Foundation. The Foundation’s dedication to youth drove them to create the Youth Invasion Award in 1998, whereby, the award, along with a cash prize, is presented to the school with the most students participating in the event. The Foundation has also committed to matching youth pledges up to a collective total of $10,000. In 1998, 55 students raised $7,000. In 2004 over 320 students representing 14 schools raised $28,000. For the 2005 event, over 514 youth participated and raised over $42,000.
 
Warwick Academy won the 2005 Bank of Bermuda Foundation Youth Invasion award, with 106 students raising almost $8,000. Top schools participating in the 2005 event include:
 
Warwick Academy – 106 students
Cedarbridge – 68
Sandys Middle School – 67
Berkeley – 65
Bermuda High School – 61
Whitney Institute – 53
Mount St. Agnes – 41
 
Mr. Dennis Tucker, Chairman, Education Sub-Committee, Bank of Bermuda Foundation said: “We are delighted to see such a significant growth in youth participation this year. This event exposes our young people to the positive benefits of team sportsmanship, physical activity and most importantly, giving back to the community. We congratulate all of the schools, the teachers and the students for their participation and for recognising the importance of supporting this event that benefits our entire community.”
 
Team Spirit Awards donated by A.S. Cooper & Sons Limited for both a group and a company were awarded at the presentation by Mr. Peter Cooper and member of the Bermuda End-to-End Committee, Richard Simon. Warwick Academy was presented with the Team Spirit award for a group and Aspen Re received the Team Spirit award for a company.
 
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