The leading lights from the UK’s property sector came together on Friday 16 June to support Norwood, at the annual Property Lunch at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel.
The event, attended by more than 750 property professionals, raised over £600,000 for the charity, allowing them to continue providing vital services to thousands of vulnerable children and their families, children with special educational needs, and adults with learning disabilities.
The prestigious event saw guests treated to a rare appearance from speaker Dame Stella Rimington DCB MA, former Director General of MI5, who told a rapt audience how individual agents are still key to secret service work, saying; “Agents – the human resources – are vital, even to this day. They can do things that technology simply can’t. Counter-espionage is slow, careful work – you have to watch and engage”
Following on from Dame Stella’s appearance, guests watched the presentation of the highly-regarded Property Lunch Awards, given in recognition of exceptional performance, with Derwent London winning the Commercial Award, Pocket Living winning The Residential Award, and Allford Hall Monaghan Morris winning the award for Outstanding Achievement.
They then heard from Rebecca, a young woman supported by Norwood who overcame a difficult childhood to be where she is today. Speaking of how the charity helped her, Rebecca said; “Thinking back to the little girl who had lived in 16 homes in 14 years, sleeping on a mattress on the floor, I can’t believe that this is how my story turned out. My life was given a second chance because of Norwood, and I’m going to make the most of it, starting with beginning my PhD, where I’ll be able to do further research and inspire future female scientists”
The day itself was sponsored by leads sponsors, Derwent London, Galliard Homes, and Savills; media partner, Property Week; reception sponsor, Residential Land; brochure and guest list sponsor, Lawrie Cornish; entertainment sponsor, Jones Lang LaSalle; awards sponsor, The Office Group; and auction and raffle sponsor, Rhodium.
Speaking of the success of the Property Lunch, Committee Co-Chair Mark Pollack said; “The Norwood Property Lunch has emerged as the leading charity property event in the calendar, and it was great to see the buzz generated by 750 guests networking in The Grand Ballroom. There is no doubt whatsoever that Rebecca stole the show: her eloquent and emotional talk about how Norwood has transformed her life, resulted in both a standing ovation and barely a dry eye in the room…reminding everyone why it’s so good to be supporting this wonderful charity”