Thank you to everyone who helped us raise an incredible £49,103 at our second Gathimba Edwards Foundation dinner on Saturday 18th February 2017 at Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen.
Guests were inspired by our first speaker of the evening Wilson Kipsang. The former world marathon record holder, Olympic medallist, New York, London and Berlin marathon champion, who attended the dinner on route to the Tokyo Marathon, spoke about his humble beginnings and how his running success has changed his life and the lives of those in the community around him.
Next up was inspirational 18 year old Enock Kirop who was supported through school and college by GEF and now works full-time for us in Kenya as well as running his own media business. Enock told guests of how their support had transformed his life and given him the chance to realise his dreams. It was Enock's first time on aeroplane to attend the event - something which was very exciting for him! Former world 5,000m record holder Dave Moorcroft was in attendance again, this time excellently compering the evening’s proceedings. With Wilson Kipsang, Gideon Gathimba and Dave Moorcroft in attendance, there was three former world record holders present as well as GEF’s Peter Githingi who has helped over 1,000 children through his work with street children, Scouts and the Chaka Youth Football Project in Kenya.
The Neil Jaffrey Local Child in Need Award was presented to Mintlaw based youngster Tyler White. The inspirational two and a half year old, who suffers from spina bifida, received a specialised bath seat and up seat/walker. The award was kindly sponsored by the Westhill and District Roundtable group. In addition to this, an anonymous £6,000 donation was made by a local company to purchase specialist equipment for Tyler.
The money raised from the evening went towards the significantly increased school and uniform fees of our children as they progressed from primary to secondary school. These can jump from as little as £40 per year up to £1,000, which is why so many children don’t enter secondary education. We were also able to provide regular counselling services as well as sustainable food solutions for families.
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, tables and donated prizes. To all of our GEF dinner sponsors who have given so generously - bronze sponsors KR Steel, Rose Recruitment and CV Aberdeen, Silver sponsors Red Balloon PA and Aberdeen Sports Therapy and Gold sponsors BackStrong Trust, SureVoIP and Bonnie Wee Golf. To all of our partners and volunteers, who gave their time and services on the night and throughout the year, thank you.
Guests enjoyed a welcome drink on arrival followed by a delicious and authentic three course meal, raffle and auction full of unique prizes and live music from Scottish band Mustang.