Despite reaping less than its usual number of pledges, this year’s Catlin End-to-End was able to present Bermuda charities with $282,500.The Island’s biggest annual fundraising event also celebrated breaking the $4 million mark for its 24 years in operation.End-to-End Charitable Trust chairman Anne Mello said organisers of the May 7 charity had initially been daunted by the recession.“In spite of some challenges, the 2011 Caitlin End-to-End was another huge success,” Ms Mello told a packed, and occasionally emotional ceremony in the Bermuda National Gallery at City Hall.Bermuda’s tough economic times were a recurring theme in the thanks from the 11 charities who collected their cheques.Carolyn Armstrong, president of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Bermuda, told the audience that “every cent” would go toward covering high medical costs.Keith Battersby, of the Bermuda Sea Cadets, said: “I humbly accept. This will help our youth go a long way to realising there are other things out there than fighting.”Telling the group their money would fund adolescent and family programmes, Caren Bermuda’s Gita Blakeney Saltus added: “It means a lot to me on a personal level. It’s times like this we realise how much the participation of our organisations plays in the development of our young people.”And Martha Dismont of the Family Centre said: “This is such a touching environment. To be here, you just feel the heart of Bermuda.”Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith congratulated the 416 students from the 19 schools that participated. Sandys Middle School, Mount St Agnes Academy and the Berkeley Institute all tied for top place, based on their numbers of participants.Calling the student turnout “a marvellous achievement”, Dame Jennifer added: “Of the 19 schools, ten raised nearly $18,000.”Health Minister Zane DeSilva, who walked the middle-to-end with Catlin CEO Graham Pewter this year, admitted it had felt tougher than running on May 24 but challenged Mr Pewter to walk the full distance with him next year, which was accepted on the spot.The End-to-End team also awarded its top volunteers and team participants, nominating event MC Wendell Dill volunteer of the Year.A total of 2,150 people turned up this May 7 to walk, run, swim, bicycle, row and ride on horseback around Bermuda. Next year’s End-to-End, on May 8, is to be the 25th anniversary.For a full list of charities, and individuals and organisations awarded, go to: www.bermudaendtoend.bm.