Family Centre has met its $250,000 target for the Children Come First Telethon fundraising event.

The charity produced a series of fundraising initiatives throughout the year, culminating in a nationally broadcast telethon on ZFB on November 18.

Funds raised will support the centre’s programmes which are targeted towards children suffering from family-based problems such as abuse, neglect, and other emotional challenges.

Executive director of Family Centre, Martha Dismont, said in a press release: “Despite offering our services to the community for the past 25 years, I’m always overwhelmed and humbled by Bermuda’s ongoing support and generosity for Family Centre.

“To the many people who donated and to those who participated in our fundraising initiatives — on behalf of Bermuda’s families — we say thank you.”

One of the most popular fundraising initiatives was the Lip Sync Challenge in which participants mimicked their favourite artist and bands. Members of the community were encouraged to pledge money for their favourite performances, which collectively raised over $35,000.

Lip Sync organiser Julia Mather stated: “We are thrilled that people from all walks of life including those from the local and international business sector as well as students of all ages performed with so much passion on behalf of Bermuda’s children.

“The winning performance came from The Arch Angels from Arch Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd., who raised over $7,000 for their rendition of Lose my Breath by Destiny’s Child. That amount was kindly matched by Arch Insurance bringing their total contribution to $14,500.”

Other teams included Amlin Bermuda Ltd, Axis Capital, Lancashire Insurance Company Ltd, M Core Health & Fitness, Saltus Grammar School, PwC Bermuda and Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

Mrs Mather added: “We plan on making this an annual event and we’ll be informing the public about how to get involved in 2016.”

Mrs Dismont added: “We are so grateful to those who volunteered their time to produce our telethon event. Many people spent selfless hours to ensure that it would be a success. We are very grateful to the wonderful team of people and the companies who sent staff to man the phones on the night.

“The families of Bermuda must continue to hold hope for our future. The community is coming forward to support you. Please continue to do your part to honour the growing commitment in our community to assist families in need. Family Centre extends its best wishes for a happy holiday season.”