Pelsall councillor Garry Perry raised a record amount of money for local good causes when he was Walsall mayor.
He managed to raise £41,644.36 during his 2011/12 term and held a special cheque presentation event at The Holiday Inn this week to say thank you.
The former Mayor of Walsall, Coun Garry Perry, and his mother June, who was mayoress, on official business
Councillor Perry said: “The former Mayoress and I were privileged to meet some amazing people and be so warmly welcomed and supported all over the borough.
“I vowed that I would try and raise as much money as possible for the borough’s young people who I do feel get such a bad press and don’t have the many positive contributions they make to their communities recognised.
“I am delighted to say that we have managed to raise more than £41,000 and that is in no small part to a wonderful, committed team of fundraisers who supported me.
“There have been so many memorable experiences – including the Sunday afternoon I spent washing dogs as part of my Challenge 100 initiative.”
Challenge 100 saw 100 pledges of £100 made in 100 days from borough businesses, groups, and individual fundraisers.
It attracted all sorts of money-spinning ideas including a balloon race, aeroplane wash, netball matches, cake sale, Country and Western street party and a host of sponsored events including a head shave and bike ride, bringing in a total £12,000.
“This is all the more overwhelming because I appreciate that we’re in difficult economic times,” Councillor Perry said. “I couldn’t have imagined a more rewarding 12 months.”
The causes to benefit will be: Walsall Bereavement Support Service, Creating Chances, PROUD, Walsall Schools Holiday Camp Trust, FastAid, Friends of Walsall Child Development Centre, Esther Community Resources, Walsall Street Pastors, Walsall Spiritualist Church Roof Fund, Pelsall Ladies Choir, Truman Narrowboat Trust, Acorns Children’s Hospice, Walsall Society for the Blind, Rosie’s Helping Hands.
