Racegoers delivered a double dose of joy for a charity when they dug deep and pledged big.
The Rachael Bell Wealth Management Race Day was held at Carlisle Racecourse to raise funds for The Rock Youth Project.
Guests were also invited to pledge their time or services as part of a huge effort to build a new base for the inspirational charity.
More than £7,600 was raised on the day and some hefty promises made for the big build.
Rachael Bell, practice principal, said: “There was so much energy, happiness and kindness in the room.
“It felt like everyone was so pleased to be together, having great fun and doing something positive for a charity that works so tirelessly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We could not believe how much we raised. But perhaps what really blew us away was the number and generosity of pledges from businesses keen to help with the rebuilding project.
“We’re grateful and excited in equal measure. As ambitious as it is, it really feels like Project Rebuild is up and running.”
Hundreds of clients and associates of Rachael Bell Wealth Management had packed into Swifts Restaurant at the racecourse for a three-course meal followed by afternoon tea.
Guests heard that more than ever, with the cost of living crisis deepening by the week, The Rock is being called upon to support young people and their families in their hours of need.
The Rock, which supports the communities of Currock and Upperby, is based in a building which is no longer fit for purpose.
Project Rebuild will see a new base created to give people who use the service a safe, warm and modern space in which to thrive.
Companies to have pledged their services include H&H Insurance Brokers, Irthing Developments, Feature Cumbria, Burnetts Solicitors, Yoga with Jan, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, Thomas Graham & Sons, Paul Fisher Flooring, Top Notch Joinery and Ashwood Design.
People have also pledged time and support to the charity, which has TV star and food critic Grace Dent as its patron.
Rachael said: “Words cannot begin to express how grateful we are. We knew we had some amazing people in the room with us on the race day, but we were genuinely humbled by the level of support. We’ll now move onwards with our plans to make this happen – watch this space!”.
