raise the most money for the event, were honoured at a luncheon yesterday.

They were all treated to sandwiches at Johnson and Higgins Bermuda Ltd., one of the major partners of April's walk along with the Marketplace Group of Companies, for their contributions to the $100,000 raised during this year's walk for charity.

End-to-End committee member Mrs. Starla Williams said the top 15 walkers, some of which have walked since the first End-to-End walk in 1988, are now part of the committee's gold club.

The walk has taken place every year for the past seven years and plans are now underway for next year's walk.

Twenty-four charities have benefitted from the $524,070 raised through the years.

End-to-End "historian'' Mr. Eugene Carmichael said children have been the major beneficiaries.

The funds purchased a bus for the Springfield and Lagoon Park pre-schools, and the Sunshine League, and helped with the Junior Service League's Shelly Bay playground project, and the Pembroke Community Club's Skating Rink.

It also aided the Outward Bound, PRIDE and The Haven, which have nearly completed their projects.

"Woman's issues have also been greatly helped by the efforts of the End-to-End walkers.'' He added: "The very first year we had the walk, we recognised the needs of the RAPE Crisis Centre, now the Woman's Resource Centre, which we again supported this year along with Fairhaven, the residential home care unit for women struggling with substance abuse.'' Mr. Carmichael also said health issues were also addressed donating funds to The Bermuda Diabetes Association, Agape House, King Edward VII Memorial's special equipment, S.T.

A.R., St. John's Ambulance and the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation.

"Special people were not forgotten. We gave a helping hand to the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, Hope Homes, Bermuda Society for the Blind, Bermuda Special Olympics and the Summerhaven,'' Mr. Carmichael added.

Money was also donated to the Senior Islanders Club and the Parish Homes.

TOP WALKERS -- These End-to-End walkers raised the most money during last year's charity walk. Pictured from left are Ms Cheryl Swan, Mrs. Holly Barany, Mr. Martin Smith, Mrs. Isabella Hall, Ms Muriel Burt-Bailey, Mr. Don Jolliffe, Mrs. Irene Parris, Ms Ann Hector, Rev. Mark Tremblay, and Mrs. Joan Dismont.

Not pictured are Mr. Tom Lamont, Mrs. Valerie Madeiros, Mrs. Barbara Correia, and Mr. Mike Lindstrand.