Celebrating 21 years of the BRENDAs
Jilly Cosgrove
Managing Director
Since its inception in 2003, the BRENDAs, the annual spoof award event for Property for Kids (PFK), has been one of the most eagerly awaited property events of the year. Barques is proud to have supported the charity over the years with design, marketing and event support. Just over 21 years later, the BRENDAs has raised in excess of £500,000 for disadvantaged children in the region.
The BRENDAs, otherwise known as the Birmingham Real Estate Novel Development Awards, originated as a byproduct of the 2003 PKF fundraising event, ‘A Night with the Stars’.
Following the success of this event, the PFK committee decided that the BRENDAs could thrive independently as a lunchtime fundraiser and networking event.
Each year, the committee selects a theme based on popular TV shows for the awards which volunteers from across the industry participate in for a chance to win one of the most prestigious industry awards: a custom garden gnome.
Past themes for the tongue-in-cheek awards have included Carpool Karaoke, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Through the Keyhole and Dragon’s Den, to name a few, which have created some memorable moments.
This year, just under 400 professionals from the commercial property sector came together to celebrate BRENDAs 21st anniversary, raising an incredible £77,478 for PFK.
All funds raised are donated to charities and projects throughout the region to support disadvantaged children. Whether it's financing a new play area or providing a Christmas lunch, the money significantly enhances the lives of children and young people.
A community like gnome other
The annual event is underpinned by the hard work of its committee, other volunteers and the team at Barques, which has supported the charity throughout the years.
The PFK team has many events lined up for the year, including Boules and The Snowball. For more details and to make a donation, visit www.propertyforkids.com
