THIS year’s Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity lunch raised a whopping £224,000.
More than 900 guests attended the event at the Westminster Park Plaza in London on December 2. Radio and TV presenter Pete Graves was MC for the day.
Each year the charity awards the Peter Capel Cup to recognise outstanding achievement and contributions from supportive organisations. With judges unable to to select a clear winner this year, three companies were announced as joint winners: Gallagher Group, Glencar Construction and Coinford. The award was in recognition of Gallagher Group and Glencar Construction for organising and sponsoring the charity’s ‘On Yer Bike’ challenge across Ireland in May, and to Gallagher Group and Coinford for organising the White Collar Boxing event.
A special mention was given to Logan Price from O’Halloran and O’Brien for raising almost £15,000 by scaling Mont Blanc and the UK and Ireland’s four highest peaks.
All the winners of the lotto generously donated their prize money straight back to the charity, so a special thank went to Dermot O’Grady from Ardent Tide, Kathy Marsden from MasterMac Surfacing, and James from J O’Doherty Haulage Ltd.
Guests enjoyed a three course meal and auctioneer Addison Gelpey, prompted some ‘frantic bidding’ for some unique lots and opportunities.
Celebrities from the sporting world then graced the stage including football legends Glenn Hoddle and Paul Merson, former rugby player and presenter David Flatman, and boxer David Haye. They shared their own experiences with poor mental health, addiction, injury and near fatal heart attacks, with each adding plenty of humour to how these events had impacted on their lives and shaped how they dealt with challenges.
Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said, “We are always amazed at the generosity of our supporters, particularly during these difficult times. Thank you never seems enough, but that support means that we can literally change and save people’s lives and that is truly humbling.
“Next year we have big plans to ensure that everyone can reach out for support through our ‘Make it Visible’ campaign and our on site team will be visiting more locations to help spread the word about out vital services. Each year we do more and more for our community but that is only possible with the dedicated and unerring support we receive and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers that helped on the day and our sponsors who make these events possible.”
The afternoon was wrapped up by opera singers, Damian Carter and Alexander Wall who treated the audience to renditions of Nessun Dorma and Sweet Caroline.
