Catlin End-to-End Gives $335,000 to 10 Local Charities

Some of the standout participants and volunteers who made Bermuda’s largest and most inclusive charitable fund-raising event a success will receive awards for their efforts at a noon-hour ceremony at City Hall on Tuesday, June 15.

“The 2010 Catlin End-to-End, held in early May, was another huge success, both in terms of numbers of people involved and amounts raised for local charities,” said Anne Mello, chairman of the End-to-End Charitable Trust, which organizes the annual event.

Despite the difficult Bermuda economy, Mrs. Mello said, 10 local charities will receive more than $335,000 on Tuesday, which is in keeping with 2009 figures.

“It is inspiring to consider what has been achieved by our 2,500 participants with their amazing fundraising efforts. We acknowledge that the successful outcome of the event is also due to work of our more than 500 volunteers and to the incredible support given to us by our Title Sponsor, Catlin Bermuda, Premier Sponsor M3 Wireless and all of the other organizations who offer their assistance,” she added.

“Our ceremony on Tuesday will formally thank some of those who were particularly outstanding, in terms of the amount of pledges they raised; the creativity in their approach to their participation; or the sheer size of teams built to participate in the event.”

Mrs. Mello also noted that each year organizers name three “Honorary End-to-Enders,” individuals who have made significant contributions to the 23-year-old event.

The Catlin End-to-End’s mission is to be Bermuda’s premier annual charitable pledge event, committed to promoting the happiness and well-being of our island community through all-inclusive activities. Charities supported in 2010 seek to break down social barriers, help young people and families, and preserve Bermuda’s environment.

Our New Honorary End-to-Enders

James Amos

Beginning in the early 1990’s, Jim championed the outstanding sponsorship and fundraising efforts at Bacardi International among staff and friends for the Catlin End-to-End that continues to contribute to the success of the event even today. Members of their team were among the top producing participants for many years and usually in the top three spots. His wholehearted support of End-to-End included the organization of informal waterstops along the walk route and the hosting of several awards ceremonies at the company headquarters.

Terri Durrant

First as an event participant and then as President of the Walking Club of Bermuda, Terri has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Catlin End-to-End event for over 18 years. She joined the organizing committee in 2000 and was also a founding member of the board of the Bermuda End-to-End Charitable Trust when it was established in 2001. Responsible for the marketing of the event, Terri contributed the perspective of the participant to every discussion and because of her years of walking experience, helped to improve both the quality of the event and to enhance the experience of the participant. She continues to participate in the event today, either as a cyclist or walker.

Karen Madeiros

In 1999, Karen joined the End-to-End organizing committee as a representative of one of the event sponsors, the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, and she became a founding member of the Bermuda End-to-End Board in 2001 when the organization was established as charitable trust. During her 5 years as a board member, Karen proposed the inclusion of two of the fastest growing segments of today’s Catlin End-to-End, the cycling and youth participation and for many years, was instrumental in gaining the support for the event from Bermuda’s teachers and school administrators that has led to .