The Centre for Theology and Community (CTC) has been celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year-long fundraising campaign filled with fun events. The latest was a vibrant Hawaiian-themed Fundraiser Quiz Night at St Mary’s Church, Walthamstow, bringing together staff, supporters, friends, and local partners for an evening of fun, fellowship, and fundraising.
The event exceeded its fundraising target, raising £1,072 against an original goal of £1,000. Funds raised will help support CTC’s ongoing work in community organising, leadership development, and building stronger neighbourhoods across London via a new innovation fund that will allow the charity to be as responsive in the next 20 years as it has been in the last.
Guests enjoyed a packed evening of entertainment, featuring interactive quiz rounds, a drinks bar, raffle prizes, and a photo booth. The Hawaiian Summer Holiday theme, inspired by the UK’s 35°C heatwave, transformed the church hall into a colourful tropical setting, creating a joyful atmosphere from the moment guests arrived.
The quiz was co-hosted by Edward, Rhiannon, and Paula, whose energy and enthusiasm kept the evening lively while guiding teams through a wide variety of quiz rounds designed to test knowledge across multiple subjects.
The success of the evening was the result of a true team effort. Guests were warmly welcomed by Ana and Fr Sean, who greeted attendees with bright smiles and vibrant Hawaiian leis, immediately setting the tone for the celebration.
Behind the scenes, Charnelle expertly managed the music, sound system, and quiz presentation, ensuring the evening ran smoothly. Marla and Marzena kept refreshments flowing through the drinks bar, while Mariam, alongside a guest young journalist representing the Newham Deanery Partnership Youth Coordination Council (NDPYCC), sold raffle tickets and distributed prizes throughout the evening.
Like many successful fundraising events, the quiz night came with its share of challenges during the planning process, including delayed deliveries, missing parcels, damaged decorations, and the need to carefully manage the event budget. Thanks to the dedication of the CTC team, alongside the support of family and friends who stepped in when needed, every obstacle was overcome to deliver a memorable celebration.
As the evening drew to a close, guests celebrated the night’s success with laughter, dancing—including a spontaneous Candy dance—and the announcement that the fundraising target had been surpassed.
CTC extends its sincere thanks to every volunteer, staff member, supporter, colleague, and friend who attended the evening. Their generosity, enthusiasm, and community spirit helped make the event a fitting celebration of twenty years of CTC’s work and impact.The night was a testament to not only what has been achieved over the past two decades but also the strength of the relationships that continue to sustain CTC’s mission. As the organisation looks ahead to its next chapter, the evening served as a reminder that lasting community change is built through partnership, generosity, and people coming together with a shared purpose.
