By Jonny Clark
Copyright grampianonline
A charity at the heart of the Moray community received more than £13,000 from the region’s biggest business awards night.
Moray Chamber of Commerce held their 20th annual awards dinner at Gordon Castle in Fochabers on Friday – and the charity of the year was Step By Step.
The parental support charity – which has its main base in Elgin and supports parents with young children – received a whopping £13,500 from the evening’s auction.
A delighted Gareth Jenkins, the charity’s CEO, said the funds would be focused on the charity’s sites in Forres, Portessie and Lhanbryde.
He said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic total – beyond our wildest dreams.
“We throught we would maybe get between £8000 and £10,000, so to blitz that is fantastic. People are so generous.
“It’s coming at a fantastic time for us. Some of our long-term funders are coming to an end and might be taking a break for a wee while, so we are having a close look at finances.
“This will help us continue operating and supporting families at our sateleitte sites in Lhanbryde, Portessie and Forres.”
Mr Jenkins said that Step By Step – in a 12-month period – will support 255 families, and has about 160 registered at one time.
He added: “Thank you to Moray Chamber of Commerce and all its members for selecting Step By Step as the Charity of the Year – there are lots of charities that apply each year.
“It was an outstanding night.”
Johnston Carmichael, an Elgin-based accountancy firm, was crowned Moray’s Main Business of the Year at the ceremony.
A copper pagoda, donated by Forsyths, the award – which was sponsored by the family of the late Sir Jim Walker, was presented by Alastair Walker to Johnston Carmichael CEO, Lynne Walker.
Ms Walker said it was “very special” to be recognised by the local business community.
She added: “This award is a great reminder of the strength of our roots and history, as well as a thank you to those who have supported us along the way and who will continue to shape our future.”
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