Keen quizzers were put to the test raising thousands of pounds for Herts Young Homeless (hyh) at the RO Group’s (www.rogroup.co.uk) successful annual charity quiz night.
The event, organised by the family entrepreneurial trading group based in Potters Bar and held at the Wyllyotts Theatre, raised a record-breaking £9,500 for hyh.
The money will go towards maintaining hyh’s new emergency accommodation service for 18 to 24 year olds – Nightstop Herts.
“We’ve been completely stunned by the generosity and support shown by everyone involved in the quiz and hyh would like to thank the organisers, participants and those who donated prizes,” said hyh’s Head of Fundraising Kathryn Salmon.
A quick-witted group from Lucas Fettes London beat off the challenge from 23 other teams to be crowned champions on the night.
hyh’s Nightstop Herts service provides emergency, short-term accommodation for vulnerable 18 to 24 year olds in the home of an approved volunteer. The aim is to prevent young people from sleeping rough, "sofa surfing", or staying in unsuitable accommodation where they could be at risk.
Richard Rowlandson OBE, Chairman of the RO Group said: “We have been running our annual quiz for 16 years now and in that time have raised in excess of £50,000 for various good causes.
“We are proud to have added yet another record breaking year for our beneficiary, Herts Young Homeless, a very worthy recipient. I extend our grateful thanks to all those who participated in making the event such a success.”
Presenting the cheque to hyh, Will Hobhouse, The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire commented:
“Giving to your local community can be a hugely rewarding experience and as the RO Quiz Night shows, it can also be fun."
hyh have also been chosen to take part in the ‘Building Effectiveness’ programme, an initiative developed by the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and supported by The High Sheriff and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Steve White, Director at leading accountancy firm Grant Thornton, who nominated hyh to receive the proceeds from The RO Quiz, is mentoring the charity as part of this nine-month programme, which is designed to boost the local voluntary sector’s effectiveness.
“I am delighted that Herts Young Homeless are one of the participating organisations and I look forward to offering whatever assistance I can in my role as a mentor,” he said.