The JR Group has raised an incredible £170,000 for Reverse Rett after hosting a major charity gala to mark its 30th anniversary.
Around 700 guests attended the black-tie A December to Remember Charity Gala at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, with the event bringing together live entertainment, fine dining and powerful personal stories in support of families living with Rett Syndrome.
The charity was chosen after being inspired by a client and close friend of the business whose daughter lives with the condition. The story of 12-year-old Kim, and the daily challenges she faces, helped unite guests around a shared aim of supporting the work of Reverse Rett.
By the end of the night, £170,000 had been raised through table donations, a highly competitive live auction led by Alex Fleming, and a silent auction featuring a range of exclusive items.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal alongside live performances from The Ambassador Band and Scottish radio icon George Bowie.
The highest-value auction lot of the evening was an art sculpture created by Billy Connolly, which sold for £30,000. Several other lots also reached five-figure sums, including golf experiences with Graham Souness, Martin O’Neill and Alan Shearer.
John Horne, Founder and Managing Director of The JR Group, said: “The generosity shown at our 30th Anniversary Charity Gala has been nothing short of overwhelming. Every single person who attended played a part in creating a night filled with compassion, kindness, and hope. To raise £170,000 in one evening is truly remarkable and speaks volumes about the giving spirit of everyone in the room, especially at this time of year.
“On behalf of The JR Group, I want to thank our partners, guests, donors, and the wider community for coming together to support Reverse Rett and families like Kim’s. This is a night we will never forget and was a fantastic way to celebrate our 30 years in business.”
The JR Group said the event reflected its long-standing commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates, while also celebrating three decades of growth across Scotland’s construction sector.
All funds raised will support Reverse Rett in accelerating research, improving clinical care and providing hope for those living with Rett Syndrome.
Kim’s parents, Scott and Kate McMaster, added: “We cannot thank The JR Group team enough for this opportunity to raise much needed funds for the charity and just as importantly to raise the awareness and profile of Rett Syndrome, which is a condition our amazing 12 year old daughter Kim has to manage on a daily basis and all the challenges this brings.
“Reverse Rett is a small charity, and this type of support is appreciated by the whole Rett Community. The time and effort put into the night by the whole team was incredible but we must pass on a special thank you to John and Annemarie Horne and their family, for their unwavering dedication and backing. Everything on the night was fantastic and the love and support experienced on the night was so special and the feedback we received couldn’t have been more positive.”
Founded in 1995, The JR Group is one of Scotland’s leading building and construction firms, providing services across scaffolding, construction, timber systems, specialist services and fire protection.
For more information, visit www.thejrgroup.co.uk or call 0141 849 6711.
Photo: John Horne, Founder and Managing Director of The JR Group