Generous fundraisers have
shown cancer support charity Maggie’s Aberdeen lots of love after helping raise
an astonishing £140,000 at its Valentine’s Ball this weekend.
An in-person and online
audience had the opportunity to bid on three stunning pieces of art, which were
specially commissioned for Saturday's event at Thainstone Exchange.
A one-of-a-kind life-sized
bronze sculpture of a red deer stag and hind by world-renowned sculptor David
Meredith and paintings by Iain Faulkner and Glenn Scouller were curated by
David Reid of Ballater Gallery for the event, which featured performances from
the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, MacTa, Robert Lovie and Raemond Jappy, as well as
gospel singers from Jesus House Aberdeen, who got the evening off to a rousing
start.
Pat Machray, Chairman of the
Thainstone-based fundraising committee, said: “It was incredibly heart-warming
to see a great turn out at the event. This could not have been made possible
without the valued support from attendees, our table hosts, our sponsors and
auction-prize donors.
“There was a fantastic
atmosphere in the room, and the generosity of everyone there to help raise such
a magnificent amount for people and their families affected by cancer is
nothing short of remarkable.
“On behalf of everyone who
uses Maggie’s Aberdeen, as well as staff and volunteers, I’d like to thank each
and every person who played a part in the evening being such a success.”
Other auction prizes at the
sold-out event, which was attended by around 450 people, included a trip for 10
to Ladies Day at Perth Races, a round of golf with former Open champion Paul
Lawrie and a gourmet taste tour of the North-east on Aberdeen FC’s first team
bus with Kilted Chef Craig Wilson.
Maggie’s Aberdeen Fundraising
Manager Richard Stewart said: “I want to personally thank all the prize donors
who did us proud with their generosity for our auction and silent auction,
allowing us to pull together an amazing prize fund that really struck a chord
with guests.
“It was marvellous to have such
an incredible turn-out at the event itself, as well as on the online auction
platform. It was an amazing night, and I feel privileged to have been involved.
“Special thanks must go to Pat
Machray and the rest of the organising committee who put in a power of work to
make sure the evening was such a success, as well as our multi-talented compere
Robert Lovie, who as well as singing and performing poetry, ensured the night
was a memorable one.”
Planning is already well under
way for the charity’s next big fundraising events, its annual golf day at
Deeside Golf Club and Culture Crawl, both of which take place in June.