A two-day, pop-up Art Extravaganza has given a six-figure boost to an amazing Aberdeen charity – raising £105,083 to help it continue its vital work.
The fantastic total was raised after two art lovers decided to combine this passion and knowledge of the art world to benefit Maggie’s Aberdeen.
Tony Dinozzi, Wood Group’s director of mergers and acquisitions, and property consultant and publican David Reid worked together to bring more than 100 pieces of work from local and national artists – some of who had never exhibited in the city before – to a selling exhibition at The Chester Hotel at Aberdeen’s Queens Road this week (November 15 and 16).
More than £170,000 of art was sold over the event, where prices ranged from £50 to £15,000, and rather than paying the commission normally taken by dealers and galleries, the profits were given to Maggie’s Aberdeen.
The centre is located in the grounds of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and provides practical, emotional and social support to people who have been diagnosed with cancer, their family and friends.
Tony said: “Wood Group has been involved with Maggie’s for many years now, we raised more than £200,000 for the centre in Aberdeen. Personally, both David and I were really moved by the incredible work carried out at Maggie’s and that was the catalyst to us working together to bring this Art Extravaganza to Aberdeen.
“It was a fantastic event, with hundreds of people coming through the door to view the work and buy some unique pieces. We’re delighted it’s raised such an amazing total for the charity.”
David added: “We knew we had some great pieces of art available at the event but raising more than £100,000 in the current economic climate is a dream. It was such an uplifting event and the feedback from everyone who attended was incredible.
“The fact that we’ve been able to help a charity as worthy as Maggie’s Aberdeen is just fantastic.”
The money will go to support the centre, where qualified professionals are available to offer a programme of support that has been shown to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of people dealing with cancer and their loved ones.
Paula Cormack, centre fundraising manager for Maggie’s Aberdeen, said: “This has been a very challenging year for many in the North-east and Maggie’s has been no exception.
“This is an incredible boost to the funds we need to continue delivering support to people with cancer.”
Patricia Straughen, Maggie’s Aberdeen board member, added: “It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s support, David and Tony worked tirelessly to make the Art Extravaganza a success, The Chester Hotel made an exceptional contribution and the gallery space looked fantastic, and thanks to sponsorship from Wood Group, BP and Fifth Ring the event costs were covered meaning all the profits can go to support Maggie’s Aberdeen visitors.”
Maggie’s Aberdeen relies on voluntary donations to support and grow its network and to develop its unique, high quality programme of support. The charity’s aim is to make the biggest difference possible to people living with cancer and their family and friends.
To find out more about Maggie’s Aberdeen and to see how the Centre supports people with cancer across North-east Scotland please visit the Centre at the Elizabeth Montgomery Building, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Westburn Road, Aberdeen or get in touch on 01224 645928 or at aberdeen@maggiescentres.org.