The BM Awards Dinner raised £15,600 in a single evening.
The BMF Awards Dinner marked the end of 12 months of determined fundraising for the trade association's two charities of the year, The Educational Frontier Trust (TEFT) and the Maddie Rose Foundation, raising an impressive £15,600 in a single evening.
This was aided by the tireless efforts of volunteer raffle ticket sellers and Colin Murray's energetic hosting of his first live auction, which boosted funds from the silent auction and table collections. The event rounded off a fantastic year that raised a total of £77,850, shared between the two charities.
The BMF also announced the two charities it will support in 2027: Variety the Children's Charity, which works to create lasting change in the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, and Band of Builders, which provides practical, financial and wellbeing support for construction workers and their families across the UK.
Speaking at the BMF Awards Dinner, Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, launched Every Merchant Matters, a new initiative supported by the BMF to make wellbeing visible, encourage conversations, signpost support and help reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: "The Awards Dinner was a fitting finale to our Annual Members' Conference and another great example of our members' generosity and the powerful impact of community support. A huge thank you to all who contributed to our charity fundraising at the dinner and throughout the year; the money raised will make a real difference to both The Educational Frontier Trust and the Maddie Rose Foundation.
"We are looking forward to another great year of fundraising in aid of Variety and Band of Builders, two exceptional charities that we are delighted to support."
